1. Primate Evolution

What is a primate?

• A primate is an animal belonging to the taxonomic order Primates - which includes humans, apes, monkeys, lemurs

Why are non-human primates important when studying human evolution?

Non-human primates are the closest living relatives of our own species - therefore can be comparatively studied to develop an understanding of the evolution of modern humans and their characteristics. Following comparative evidence can be used:

• comparative anatomy

• comparative biochemistry, including DNA and proteins

• behaviour of living primates

• fossils of primates.

What is the taxonomic / classification hierarchy from largest to smallest

• Domain (Drunken)

• Kingdom (Kangaroos)

• Phylum (Punch)

• Class (Children)

• Order (On)

• Family (Family)

• Genius (Game)

• Species (Shows)

What family are humans classified into?

• Humans are classified in the Hominidae family, which the same family as the great apes: chimpanzees, bonobos, gorillas and orangutans.

• The great apes share the most recent common ancestor with humans and, therefore, share many of our characteristics, including very similar DNA.

Order of Classification for Humans

Primate (Order) → Hominidae (Family) → Homininae (Sub Family) → Hominini (Tribe) → Homo (Genus) → Sapiens (Species)

What evidence has changed the way scientists classify evolutionary relationships between primates?

• Evidence from DNA and protein sequences has changed scientists' understanding of primate evolutionary relationships.

• Previously, classifications relied more heavily on morphology/anatomical similarities

What are the eye characteristics common amongst primates?

• Eyes: Forward facing eyes in forward facing eye sockets, allowing for stereoscopic vision (three dimensional) when the visual fields overlap

• Well-developed sense of sight (colour vision) with the development of more rods and cones

What are the brain characteristics common amongst primates?

• Relatively large and complex brain

• Cerebrum size increases as primates become more highly evolved

What are the smell characteristics common amongst primates?

• Relatively poor sense of smell compared to other mammals

What are the dental characteristics common amongst primates?

• Four incisors in both the upper and lower jaw

What are the hand / feet characteristics common amongst primates?

• Opposable first digit (thumb) and maybe toe in some

• Prehensible (capable of grasping) limbs

• Friction ridges (fingerprints) to increase the friction between the surface of the skin and an object for sensitivity when grasping and manipulating

• Nails instead of claws