Poems and Thoughts    by Frank Maurer

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Our Tree Shrew Affair. So far, biological studies have shown All life on earth is related to a single DNA system. Life shares its connectedness, Demonstrating the relative closeness of our related status. Clues of relatedness are also derived From skeletal bone and tooth fragments. In that light, the primary ancestor of primates--including us, Was an arboreal, insectivorous tree shrew! This is Purgatorius, from 65 million years ago, weighing 3.5 ounces. The best fossil from 55 million years ago is Dryomomys. It was always thought that these creatures were solitary. Good science, with additional evidence Now demonstrates that our primate ancestors Appear to have lived as pairs-- Increasing their ability to protect each other, To increase the success to forage food, And to more competently raise offspring. So now, as you snuggle with your partner, Realize that this genetic behavior may be owed To an arboreal, insectivorous tree shrew! Frank Maurer 31 December 2023 0930 Hours.