ANTH Cousins: the Monkey video

Describe the marmoset family unit.

Marmosets usually have twins, and both parents help care for the infants. Fathers carry the babies most of the time.

Is the marmoset family unit typical among primates?

No. Most primates rely mainly on maternal care, making intensive biparental care unusual.

What role does the male marmoset play in raising offspring?

He helps feed newborns, carries infants about 80% of the time, and even grooms the mother while carrying them.

What biological adaptation allows black howler monkeys to howl so loudly?

A specialized enlarged hyoid bone in the throat.

What is the purpose of black howler monkey calls?

To advertise territory and warn rival groups to stay away.

When are black howler monkey calls most commonly heard?

At dawn and dusk.

What is a prehensile tail?

A tail that can grasp and hold objects like a limb.

What is the main advantage of a prehensile tail?

It acts as a fifth limb, supporting the monkey's weight while climbing.

How does a prehensile tail help monkeys feed?

It frees their hands to inspect and collect fruit.

Name a primate with a prehensile tail.

Spider monkey.

Why do red colobus monkeys eat charcoal?

To neutralize toxins found in the plants they eat.

How does eating charcoal benefit red colobus monkeys?

It allows them to safely eat a wider variety of plants.

Why do Diana guenons have bright white patches and facial markings?

To help group members recognize each other and maintain group cohesion.

How do Diana guenons avoid predators?

They turn their dark gray backs toward predators to blend into the forest.

How are gelada baboons physically adapted to life in the savannah and highlands?

They have thick fur for insulation in cold, high-altitude environments.

What is the purpose of the thick coat of gelada baboons?

Thermoregulation

Which sex of proboscis monkey has the large nose?

Males

What advantage does the large nose give male proboscis monkeys?

It acts as a sexual signal to attract females.

How do proboscis monkeys digest tough leaves?

Through foregut fermentation using bacteria to break down cellulose.

Why do proboscis monkeys have bloated stomachs?

Their enlarged fermentation chambers contain bacteria that digest leaves.

Why are Duc langurs becoming endangered?

Their bright coloration makes them targets for poachers.

How have Tibetan macaques learned to exploit humans?

They expect food from tourists and exchange food for photo opportunities.

What behavioral changes have tourist feeding caused in Tibetan macaques?

Increased dependence on humans and occasional aggression.

What human pastime have Japanese macaques adopted?

Bathing in hot springs.

Why do Japanese macaques use hot springs?

For warmth (thermoregulation) and social interaction during winter.

How has human activity influenced Japanese macaque hot spring use?

Hot springs have been built specifically for the monkeys.

Describe the overall social structure of gelada baboons.

They live in huge bands made up of smaller one-male, multi-female family units.

How do male gelada baboons compete for mates?

Through ritualized displays, aggression, and testosterone increases before breeding season.

What role do female gelada baboons play in mate selection?

Females can choose mates and even replace an unsatisfactory leader with a rival male.

What behaviors help maintain social cohesion in gelada baboons?

Grooming, male displays, ritualized fights, and alarm calls.