Irvine Valley College Physical Anthropology Lab Notes

These flashcards cover key concepts from the lecture notes on primate anatomy, dietary regimens, locomotion, and skeletal structure.

What is insectivory?

A dietary regimen where primates primarily consume insects.

What is the general dentition of a primate adapted to insectivory?

Sharp molars and incisors to efficiently crush and slice exoskeletons.

What is gummivory?

A dietary regimen where primates mainly consume tree sap.

What is the general dentition of a primate adapted to gummivory?

Longer incisors for tapping trees and scraping sap.

What does folivory mean?

A dietary regimen where primates predominantly consume leaves.

What is the general dentition of a primate adapted to folivory?

High, shearing molars and a larger gut for digesting fibrous material.

What is frugivory?

A dietary regimen where primates mainly eat fruits.

What is the general dentition of a primate adapted to frugivory?

Broad, flat molars for grinding and crushing fruits.

Define locomotion in primates.

The methods of movement adapted by primates, including climbing, jumping, and walking.

What are forelimbs and hind limbs?

Forelimbs refer to the front limbs, typically used for reaching and grabbing, while hind limbs are the back limbs used for locomotion.

What is suspensory locomotion?

A form of locomotion where primates hang and swing from branches.

Define quadrupedalism.

Locomotion using all four limbs, typical in many primate species.

What is sexual dimorphism?

The differences in size, shape, or color between males and females of the same species.

What is the typical dental formula shared by hominins, apes, and modern Old-World monkeys?

The 2-1-2-3 dental formula, indicating 2 incisors, 1 canine, 2 premolars, and 3 molars.

What are the two main elements of the human skeleton?

The axial skeleton and the appendicular skeleton.

What percentage of bone structure is made up of organic materials?

Approximately 1/3 of bones are made up of organic materials.

How many vertebrae are in the human body?

There are 24 individual vertebrae in the vertebral column.

What is the foramen magnum?

The hole at the base of the skull where the spinal column attaches.

What is heterodontism?

The condition of having different types of teeth, adapted for various functions.

What are the functions of incisors in primates?

Incisors are used for slicing and stripping food.

What type of joints allow for no movement?

Fibrous joints, such as those found in the skull.

What are sesamoid bones?

Bones found within tendons that help protect them, with the largest being the patella.

What does the term diaphysis refer to?

The shaft or central part of a long bone.

What kind of bone is lamellar bone?

Mature bone of adult skeletons that is structured in layers.

What characterizes the adaptation of arboreal quadrupeds?

They have adaptations for climbing and living in trees.

What dental formula do New World monkeys typically have?

They often have a dental formula of 2.1.3.3.

What adaptations are typical for knuckle-walking primates?

They usually have strong forelimbs and specialized wrist joints to support their weight.