Primate and Human Evolution

Flashcards covering key concepts related to primate and human evolution.

Haplorrhines

A suborder of primates that includes tarsiers, monkeys, apes, and humans, characterized by traits like postorbital closure and no rhinarium.

Tarsiers

Small, nocturnal primates that exhibit vertical clinging and leaping, have grooming claws and lack a dental comb.

Platyrrhines

Neotropical monkeys that are arboreal and smaller in body size, with three premolars and quadrupedal locomotion.

Colobines

A subfamily of paleotropical monkeys known for their broad interorbital region, narrow incisors, and complex stomachs.

Cercopithecines

A subfamily of paleotropical monkeys with narrow interorbital regions, broad incisors, and cheek pouches.

Catarrhines

A group of haplorrhines that includes Old World monkeys and apes known for their larger body sizes and diverse habitats.

Y-5 molars

A dental pattern seen in apes, characterized by five cusps arranged in a Y-shape, which aids in their diet.

Frugivores

Primates that primarily consume fruits, possessing broad incisors and relatively flat molars.

Folivores

Primates that mainly eat leaves, typically large-bodied with sharp shearing crests on molars.

Insectivores

Small primates that primarily consume insects, characterized by sharp crests on molar teeth and simpler digestive systems.

Gumnivores

Primates that feed on gums or exudates, possessing gouging incisors or a dental comb.

Basal metabolic rate (BMR)

The energy expenditure at rest, which is smaller per kg in larger animals compared to smaller animals.

Activity budget

The pattern of waking, eating, moving, socializing, and sleeping that is linked to dietary quality in primates.

Ecology

The study of interrelationships among animals, plants, and their physical environment.

Niche differentiation

The process by which competing species use the environment differently, allowing them to coexist.

Oldowan tool industry

The earliest known stone tool industry characterized by simple choppers and scrapers used by early hominins.

Homo erectus

An early human species known for larger body size, increased cranial capacity, and the use of tools, which migrated out of Africa.

Acheulean industry

A stone tool industry characterized by bifacial hand axes and cleavers used by Homo erectus.

Movius line

A theoretical line marking the presence or absence of Acheulean handaxes, indicating differing human technological developments.