Primates
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Transcript of Primates
MONKEYS AND GREAT APES
Primates
Why study primates?
Social behavior offers clues to human behavior. Many ‘human’ behavioral traits are seen in primates. Examples?
Behavioral analysis combined with morphological comparisons allow us to determine probable behavior of human ancestors. Ex: Pelvic structure and bipedalism
Chimp – quadrupedal Human – bipedal Early hominids – semi-bipedal
Continuum is formed: apehominidhuman
General Characteristics
Generalized anatomy (with some exceptions)Flexible and diverse behaviorEarliest members of group were nocturnal
and arborealPresent members exhibit all sorts of lifestylesMost species are highly social (exception is
Oranguatan)Large brain size and excellent vision are
trademarks of primatesLong gestation and developmental period.
Methods of Study
Researchers study: Biology Behavior Evolutionary History
Primates are studied in zoos, research colonies/labs and in the wild. Also study extinct primates. Captive – test ability of primates (ASL, art, logic, tool use/puzzles,
etc.) Wild – ‘natural’ behavior (minimize disruption).
Ethical questions? Labs – humaneness, removal from social groups, etc. Wild – does tolerance of human observers make animal more
vulnerable? Can you think of other issues?
Primate images
• http://www.primates.com/• http://tolweb.org/Primates/15963
Alternate Classification
Using anatomical evidence creates Prosimii – Lemur, Loris, Tarsier Anthropoidea – Platyrrhini (NWM) & Catarrhini
(OWM, etc.)Using molecular evidence creates
Strepsirhini – Lemur & Loris Haplorhini - Platyrrhini (NWM) & Catarrhini (OWM,
etc.) and TarsiersNote alternate positioning of TarsiersGroupings tend to divide into nocturnal &
arboreal vs. diurnal & terrestrial
Morphology
Nails and pads – gripDexterityBinocular (visual fields overlap) and
stereoscopic vision (nerve info integrated) Lemurs/Lorises reflect light of back of eye
Varied dentition for varied dietSmell is reduced in importanceIncrease in brain size (cerebral hemispheres)
Leads to flexibility in behavior/rapid adaptability
Morphology
Foramen magnum movedClavicle
larger in apes and OWM, arms hang at sides Smaller in NWM , arms more forward
Scapula – allows for brachiationTailsOpposable toes, semi-opposable thumbs
Behavior
Group dynamics Natal groups Dominance heirarchies (some patriarchal, some matriarchal)
Pair bondingGroomingSexual behavior, monogamy (rare), cheatingRange of developmental/dependency times
Short for lemurs, etc. long for apesPlayCommunication – vocalization, gestures, postures,
trail markers in bonobos
Learning
High level of learning abilityTechniques are shared with peers and
offspring Usually technique is acquired by ‘aping’ another
individual Examples: using rocks to smash nuts, ant fishing with
twigs, salting tubers.Hunting
Chimps – organized raiding parties, also cannibalism