HONORS 232 Lecture Notes - Lecture 3: Ape, Parallel Evolution, Toe
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How do we compare: some argue that humans are so malleable by culture that we should not study other primates, why study primates broadly? i. ii. Non human primates provide context for understanding hominoid adaptations. Comparative information needed to reconstruct extinct hominoids: why study primates? i. Reasoning by homology: we evolved from something like a common ape, understanding modern primates will help us understand our ancestors better a. Reasoning by analogy (convergence: we are similar to primates in morphology, life history, and behavior. Investigate how evolution worked in animals like ourselves. 2: use comparative analyses to deduce rules and patterns of adaptation a. I. e. what are big brains used for? iii. Tendency towards vertical postures: cranial i. ii. Teeth unspecialized with a max of two incisors, one canine, three premolars, and three molars. Females invest highly in offspring: long gestations, small litters, maturing and lifespans long, ecology i. ii.
