-
Definition
Primates are “unguiculate, claviculate, placental mammals with orbits encircled by bone, three kinds of teeth at one time of life, a well-developed brain with a posterior lobe and calcarine fissure, at least one pair of extremities with an opposable digit, hallux with a flat nail or none, a well-developed caecum, pendulous penis, testes in scrotum, two pectoral mammae.”
-
Definition
Bipedalism refers to the habitual use of two legs for locomotion.
-
Example / case study
Lemurs in Madagascar diversified into over 100 species, each adapted to unique environments. Old World monkeys and apes diversified into multiple species — baboons, gorillas, chimpanzees, orangutans, and humans. Refers to the development of similar traits in unrelated species due to similar environmental pressures, not common ancestry. Such species remain distinct overall but show functional similarity in specific traits.
-
Definition
Tactile pads → sensitive fingertips.
-
Definition
7. Taxonomical Classification of Primates
-
Definition
1) Vertical clinging & leaping(4 limbs- hindlimb)
-
Definition
Non-opposable means a thumb, toe, or digit that cannot move inward to touch or face the other fingers or toes on that hand or foot. It cannot form a tight grip against the rest of the digits.
-
Definition
Playback studies (Cheney, Zuberbühler).
-
Example / case study
Orangutans (studied by Biruté Galdikas).
-
Definition
Suspensory locomotion is an arboreal movement strategy where an animal hangs or supports its body weight beneath tree branches rather than walking or balancing on top of them.
-
Definition
Studies human–primate interactions.
-
Example / case study
Free-ranging temple monkeys in Bali → behaviour shaped by humans & religious protection. Focuses on multi species ethnography not anthropocentric. LEAKEY’S ANGELS (Three great primate researchers)- Trimates Studied chimpanzees in Tanzania (Gombe).
Short notes for this Anthropology syllabus heading.