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Primates

Primates. Monkeys and Great Apes. 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.

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Primates

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  1. Primates Monkeys and Great Apes

  2. 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: apehominidhuman

  3. General Characteristics Generalized anatomy (with some exceptions) Flexible and diverse behavior Earliest members of group were nocturnal and arboreal Present members exhibit all sorts of lifestyles Most species are highly social (exception is Oranguatan) Large brain size and excellent vision are trademarks of primates Long gestation and developmental period.

  4. 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?

  5. Primate images • http://www.primates.com/ • http://tolweb.org/Primates/15963

  6. 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 Tarsiers • Note alternate positioning of Tarsiers • Groupings tend to divide into nocturnal & arboreal vs. diurnal & terrestrial

  7. Morphology • Nails and pads – grip • Dexterity • Binocular (visual fields overlap) and stereoscopic vision (nerve info integrated) • Lemurs/Lorises reflect light of back of eye • Varied dentition for varied diet • Smell is reduced in importance • Increase in brain size (cerebral hemispheres) • Leads to flexibility in behavior/rapid adaptability

  8. Morphology • Foramen magnum moved • Clavicle • larger in apes and OWM, arms hang at sides • Smaller in NWM , arms more forward • Scapula – allows for brachiation • Tails • Opposable toes, semi-opposable thumbs

  9. Behavior • Group dynamics • Natal groups • Dominance heirarchies (some patriarchal, some matriarchal) • Pair bonding • Grooming • Sexual behavior, monogamy (rare), cheating • Range of developmental/dependency times • Short for lemurs, etc.  long for apes • Play • Communication – vocalization, gestures, postures, trail markers in bonobos

  10. Learning • High level of learning ability • Techniques 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

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