ANTH100 Lecture 3: Living Primates

• School: University of Waterloo
• Department: Anthropology
• Course: ANTH100
• Professor: Gotz Hoeppe

Document Summary

Primates are an order of mammals that includes lemurs, lorises, tarsiers, monkeys, apes, and humans. Primates have relatively unspecialized biology and intelligence that permits very flexible behaviour patterns. Primatologists rely on observation and non-invasive techniques to minimize contact that could endanger primate populations. Conservation efforts are combined with research to ensure the future study of wild populations. Primates have a long period of childhood dependency and are large-brained, which enables both learned and adaptive behavior. Primates developed binocular stereoscopic colour vision as they became both diurnal and arboreal. Primate digits have sensitive pads, usually accompanied by flattened nails, opposable thumbs, and big toes (except for humans) Lemurs and lorises have large ears, big eyes, pointed snouts, and several scent glands for communication. Tarsiers, nocturnal arboreal insect eaters, resemble early ancestral primates though they are genetically similar to monkeys and apes. New world monkeys are tree dwellers that walk on all fours.