Transcript Powerpoint Presentation: The Primates

THE PRIMATES
© 2008 Paul Billiet ODWS
Origins – tree shrews
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Not Primates but
closely related
Similar to the
common ancestor
of all placental
mammals
Small,
insectivorous,
arboreal mammals
Tree shrew (Lyonogale tana)
© 2008 Paul Billiet ODWS
Primate characteristics
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Arborial
Grasping hands
Finger nails & finger pads with ridges
Binocular vision
Diurnal
Colour vision
Large brain
High degree of parental care
Long childhood
© 2008 Paul Billiet ODWS
The Prosimians
Ring-tailed lemur (Lemur catta)
The Prosimians
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Muzzel
Immobile upper lip
Developed sense of smell
Ears can orientate
Evolved from about 63 Ma
© 2008 Paul Billiet ODWS
The Old World Monkeys
Rhesus macaques (Macaca mulatta)
The Old World Monkeys
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Narrow nose
Tail (when present) never
prehensile
Mostly diurnal
© 2008 Paul Billiet ODWS
The New World Monkeys
Howler monkey (Alouatta sp.)
The New World Monkeys
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Split from the old world monkeys
about 40 Ma
Flat-nosed
More premolars
Long tails, some prehensile
© 2008 Paul Billiet ODWS
Gorilla gorilla
The Apes
Orangutan (Pongo pygmaeus)
Gibbon (Hylobates lar)
Chimpanzee (Pan troglodytes)
© JGI
The Gibbons
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From SE Asia
Small 5–7kg
Brachiators
No tail
Longevity: 25-30 years
© 2008 Paul Billiet ODWS
The Apes - Orangutans
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From SE Asia
Large ape
females 40-50kg
males 60-90 kg
Very flexible in their locomotion
No tail
Longevity: up to 35 years
© 2008 Paul Billiet ODWS
The Apes – Gorillas and Chimpanzees
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Large
Chimps 30-40kg
Gorilla female 90kg male 160kg
Knuckle walk and climb
No tail
Chimps use simple tools
Longevity 40 years
Gorilla herbivore
Chimp Omnivore
© 2008 Paul Billiet ODWS