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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