Humans aren't the only animals to pick their nose and eat the contents, a new study has shown. The elongated fingers of the aye-aye allow it to reach deep into its nasal passage in search of tasty snacks.
Sign up for CNN’s Wonder Theory science newsletter. Explore the universe with news on fascinating discoveries, scientific advancements and more. Humans aren’t the only animals to pick their nose and eat the contents, a new study has shown. Researchers have for the first time documented the behavior in a primate known as the aye-aye, a most unusual-looking species of lemur. The Journal of Zoology published the findings on Wednesday.
Unlike humans’ relatively short digits, the aye-aye’s long and skinny middle finger is perfectly shaped for deep digging. A reconstruction of the animal’s nasal passage based on a CT scan suggests its curved finger can reach all the way back into its throat to root around for mucus. Not much is known about why certain animals pick their nose. Aside from nasal exploration, the aye-aye’s distinctive finger also helps it find food.
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