Tree shrew (Tupaia) skull BIRUG 18617

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BIRUG 18617 is the fossilized skull of a modern tree shrew (Tupaia). Unrelated to shrews, this animal is actually one of the closest living relatives of primates. The tree shrew inhabits many parts of Asia, including India, Burma, the Nicobar Islands, the Philippines, China, Java, Borneo and Sumatra, making its home in the undergrowth of tropical forests. Despite its name suggesting otherwise, the majority of tree shrew species forage on the forest floor. Characterized by their strong and sharply cusped cheek-teeth, tree shrews are primarily insectivores, with a diet that also includes the pulp of soft fruits. This specimen is part of the Museum's Humphreys Collection - a historical collection of Quaternary animal skulls and teeth amassed by H. F. Humphreys for use in the University's dental school. This fossilized skull was digitized by Andrew Jones using an Artec Spider 3D scanner.