Ch 6 Order: Primates

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Summary of chapter*Why primatology is anthropology

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Why primatology is anthropologyPrimatology: Study the behavior, biology, and evolutionary history of primates

Comparative approach:-modern human morphology-Hominin morphology

Approach: Compare our behaviors vs nonhuman primate behavior-helps us identify what makes us distinct

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Primatology...

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Primatology...

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Main pointsComparative approach - compare anatomy and behavior with closest living ancestors to understand our own species.

Why?

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Characteristics of primatesShare with mammals-body hair-long gestation-heterodont-large brains-capacity for learning and behavioral flexibility

*primates are quite generalized - maintained many ancestral traits

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Characteristics of primatesDerived - traits possessed by members of the primate order reflecting a common evolutionary pattern of reliance on arboreal living in highly social groups

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1. Limbs and locomotion

2. Diet and teeth

3. Senses and brain

4. Maturation and behavior

Characteristics of primates 1. Locomotion Types and associated anatomy

-features found among many different mammalian groups but collected together can distinguish the primate order

1. Limbs and locomotion

-erect posture

Prehensile - ability to grasp-hands and feet with opposable thumb-nails

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Characteristics of primates 1. Locomotion Types and associated anatomy

-generalized anatomy = adapt to variety of ecological niches

*Terrestrial quadrupeds: forelimbs = hind limbs in length

*Vertical clinging/leaping: common among prosimians

*Brachiation: apes and humans = 'true' brachiators; curved fingers and forelimbs > hind limbs

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2. Diet and teeth

-lack of dietary specialization (omnivorous)

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3. Senses and brainDiurnal - active during the day-reliance on vision (derived) rather than smell (ancestral)-color vision

-flat faces - stereoscopic vision-have overlapping field of vision

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4. Maturation and behavior-long gestation period-fewer offspring-delayed maturation-longer life

*Greater dependence on flexible, learned behavior-tendency to live in social groups

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Primate features and evolution-features found in mammals but collected together can distinguish the primate order

1. Limbs and locomotion

2. Diet and teeth

3. Senses and brain

4. Maturation and behavior

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Primate characteristics - hypothesesArboreal hypothesis-generalized characteristics = result of arboreality

Adaptive niche in the trees

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