Chapter 18

Primate Evolution

Characteristics of Primates
Unspecialised mammalian body (good for all habitats) Unspecialised limb structure: allows greater diversity of use Pentadactyl: five highly mobile digits Opposability of the first digit (can touch all other digits) (degree varies) Most primates have an opposable toe humans being the exception Allows for an arboreal lifestyle (in trees) Precision and power grips Digits: Nails instead of claws: allows prehensile hands Claws limit grasping Friction ridges (finger prints) for better manipulation Sense receptors at digits Decreased importance of smell (olfaction) Reduction in snout length Dentition Dental formula: Primitive mammals 3:1:4:3 Lemurs/lorises/New world monkeys 2:1:3:3 Tarsiers 2:1:3:3 (upper jaw), 1:1:3:3 (lower jaw) Old world monkeys/apes/humans 2:1:2:3 Diastema: gap between upper incisor and upper canine (allows space for large lower canine) Cusp molars: Primitive mammals 3 cusp Old world monkeys 4 cusp Apes / humans 5 cusp Increased size of Cerebral Cortex (complex thought processes) Due to larger brain and more convolutions Vision, memory, reasoning, manipulative abilities Allows development of tool making skills Developed reproductive structures / behaviours Single offspring at a time Rhythmic sexual cycle (not a season) Long period of parental care (dependency on parent) More time to learn from parents Long period of growth and maturation Longer period of gestation Delay in development to sexual maturity Each offspring is particularly valuable (a big investment)