Because of their arboreal adaptations, primates typically have the ability to grasp with their hands and sometimes the feet and tail as well. Many primates are arboreal, meaning that they live in trees. However, there are some general features that most have in common. Primate characteristicsĭefining the term primate can be challenging at times because this biological order of animals is not defined by one fixed set of characteristics. In semi-free ranging studies, scientists are able to watch how primates might act in the wild but have easier access to them, and the ability to control their environments. Where scientists are able to perform controlled experiments that focus on the learning capabilities and behavioral patterns of the animals. Laboratory study is done in controlled lab settingsįigure 4.1: Primatologist Claudia Wilke studying communication and cooperation among chimpanzees in the Kibale Forest, Uganda Field study (Figure 4.1) is done in natural environments, in which scientific observers watch primates in their natural habitat. Primatologists commonly use three methodological approaches in their research. We can also learn about our past, how we’ve evolved, who we’ve become, and what forces have shaped us into the highly unique animal we’ve become today. We can also learn what traits are shared between all of the primates, what traits some primates have lost, and new traits that primates developed in order to survive in different environments. Through the study of primates we can learn what it means to be human, as opposed to being a primate, and further, as opposed to other mammals or animals in general. It is believed that by understanding our closest animal relatives, we might better understand the characteristics and deep history that we share. The focus is on studying the common links between humans and nonhuman primates. Primatology is the scientific study of behavior, biology, evolution, and taxonomy of primates. Modern molecular biology has reinforced our place with primates, as humans, monkeys and apes share the vast majority of their DNA, with chimpanzees sharing between 97 to 99% genetic identity with humans. In the eighteenth century, Carl von Linné placed humans together with other similar-looking organisms in the taxonomic order Primates. In order to understand the exact place of humans among the animals, it is helpful to understand how we are taxonomically classified. Discuss theories of relationships and models of emergence for hominin ancestors in the human lineage.Summarize fossil evidence for early hominin evolution.Explain principle anatomical trends in hominin evolution and within genus Homo.Describe living hominid behavior and social organization.Outline primate characteristics and basis of classification.
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