Primate characteristics

Quadrupedal locomotion

A brachiator

A gibbon

• Flexible, generalized limb structure;• e.g.: a vertical clinger and leaper

A lemur

Prehensile hands (and feet); opposable thumb (and toe)Retention of 5 digits

Primate characteristics(continued)

GigantopithecusEst. 1,000 lbs.

Broad size range

A bushbaby

Nails instead of claws.

Tactile pads at ends of digits.

• Diet and teeth• 1. Lack of specialization.• 2. Generalized dentition.

Orbit

fully enclosed

Postorbital bar

Orbit completelyopen

• Visual information from each eye to visual centers in both hemispheres of brain

• Color vision: evolutionary trend for diurnal activity.

3-D vision

Reduced reliance on information from odors

Decreased reliance on sense of smell.

Increase in size andcomplexity of brain.

• Long gestation.• Reduced numbers of offspring/pregnancy.• Extended period of time to reach reproductive maturity• Greater dependence on flexible, learned behaviors

• Tendency to live in social groups.

• Menstrual and estrus cycles)