Scientists have confirmed the existence of a new monkey species with orange lips in the tropical forests of the Democratic Republic of Congo. The black-furred primate, known as the likweli, has glowing orange lips, a feature that has only recently been documented.
Marine Lip Wonders
The red-lipped batfish, found in waters around the Galapagos Islands, has been dubbed the Kylie Jenner of the marine world. This 16-inch ocean floor dweller uses its fins to walk rather than swim, and scientists believe its distinctive lip colour may aid in mating.
Wrasses have lips that excrete a slimy coating, protecting them from the venom of stinging coral they feed on. Triggerfish, meanwhile, have eerily human-like lips.
Land Animals with Remarkable Lips
Hippos have the largest lips of any land animal, measuring up to two feet across. They can open their mouths to 150 degrees, and their flattened lips help them grasp and munch on 80lbs of grass a night. The lips also feature whiskers that help them navigate dark, muddy water.
Elephant trunks are actually a fusion of the upper lip and nose. Camels have rubbery lips that allow them to eat thorny plants without discomfort. Their upper lip is split in two, with each half working independently, enabling them to grasp plants like fingers. In Saudi Arabia, big droopy lips are considered an asset in camel beauty pageants. Manatees have split lips similar to camels, while giraffes and black rhinos have prehensile lips for gripping.
Primates and Prehistoric Lips
The gelada, a monkey found in the highlands of Ethiopia, uses its lips for various tricks, including a lip flip to bare teeth and gums when angry, and lip-smacking for complex communication. Chimps kiss with their lips like humans, and orangutans use their lips to peel fruit.
Even the T-Rex had lips, according to University of Portsmouth scientists. These dinosaurs, which lived 66 million years ago, had sets of 60 eight-inch teeth. Unlike their depiction in Jurassic Park, where teeth are always exposed, experts now believe they had scaly lizard-like lips to protect their teeth, based on a lack of wear.
