[4][5] It was larger than any extant lemur, with a body mass of approximately 18.2–26.5 kg (40–58 lb), and is commonly reconstructed as the most frugivorous and terrestrial of the fossil Malagasy primates.

[4][8] One such analysis looked at ontogenetic data for Archaeolemur in order to extrapolate phylogenetic affinities and found the genus had more similarities with lemurids than with indriids in terms of growth and development.

[4] Despite such challenges, the sequencing of ancient DNA recovered from A. edwardsi, A. majori, and Hadropithecus stenognathus fossil specimens in a 2008 study lended important support to the phylogenetic placement of Archaeolemuridae as a sister group to living Indriidae, refuting Lemuridae as Archaeolemur’s closest relative.

[3][10] Archaeolemur has broad apical tufts on the distal phalanges of both the hands and feet, which some have suggested might be related to grooming in the absence of a functioning tooth comb.

[3][5][10] This morphological data, along with a previous study of the pelvis and scapula, support the conclusion that Archaeolemur’s locomotory habits most likely consisted of both terrestrial and arboreal quadrupedalism.

[3] In order to reconstruct the geographic home range of Archaeolemur, a study was conducted analyzing strontium isotope ratios from bone and tooth enamel of extinct and extant lemurs.

[6] Despite this relatively small home range for body size, Archaeolemur as a genus is believed to have been distributed across Madagascar and to have had a broad habitat tolerance.

[3] While it is difficult to pinpoint one specific factor that drove Archaeolemur to extinction, many authors agree that human activity upon arriving to Madagascar directly and indirectly impacted the island’s unique flora and fauna.

[6] Large body size and frugivory are additional factors that might make organisms increasingly vulnerable when compared to smaller animals or folivores facing habitat fragmentation or degradation.

[15] Given Archaeolemur’s larger body size compared to modern lemurs, its interpreted small home range, and its likely frugivorous diet, this genus may have been especially vulnerable to extinction when facing habitat change and human intervention on Madagascar.