University of Central Florida (UCF) ANT2511 The Human Species Practice Exam 2

The rhinarium is a moist, fleshy area that surrounds the nostrils of strepsirhines, such as lemurs and lorises. This feature enhances their sense of smell by increasing the surface area for olfactory receptors and helping to retain moisture, which is crucial for detecting scent molecules in the air. The presence of a rhinarium is associated with a greater reliance on olfactory cues as opposed to visual cues, which is typical for species that have evolved in environments where smell plays a critical role in communication, foraging, and navigation.

In contrast, other features listed, such as the beard-like structure or the post-canine ridge, do not have a direct influence on olfactory capabilities. The vomeronasal organ, although present in many mammals and involved in detecting pheromones, is not a physical feature that enhances overall smell sensitivity in the same way that the rhinarium does for strepsirhines. Thus, the rhinarium stands out as the key adaptation linked to the enhanced olfactory abilities of these primates.