Fall 2022 ANTH 220 Quiz 5 Study Guide

A compilation of vocabulary terms and definitions related to primate classification, locomotion, and key fossil species for ANTH 220 Quiz 5.

New World monkeys

Monkeys that are native to South and Central America, characterized by their broad, flat noses and prehensile tails.

Old World monkeys

Monkeys that are native to Africa and Asia, recognized by their narrow noses and non-prehensile tails.

Prosimians

A suborder of primates that includes lemurs, lorises, and tarsiers, typically found in Madagascar and tropical Asia.

Apes

Larger primates that include gibbons, orangutans, gorillas, and chimpanzees, known for their lack of tails and greater intelligence.

Dental formula

A method to denote the number and types of teeth in an organism's mouth, useful in distinguishing among primate species.

Molar type

Classification based on the structure and function of molar teeth, important for identifying different primates.

Nocturnal primates

Primates that are active during the night and have adaptations such as larger eye orbits for better night vision.

Diurnal primates

Primates that are active during the day, typically having smaller eye orbits compared to body size.

Bilophodont molars

Molar teeth with 4 cusps that form 2 rows, characteristic of Old World monkeys.

Y-5 molars

Molar teeth with 5 cusps forming a Y-shaped valley, typical of apes.

Brachiation

A form of locomotion in which primates swing from limb to limb using their arms.

Arboreal quadrupedalism

Locomotion using all four limbs to move through trees.

Terrestrial quadrupedalism

Locomotion using all four limbs on the ground.

Vertical clinging/leaping

A locomotion method where primates cling vertically to tree trunks and leap between them.

Bipedalism

Locomotion on two legs, a key characteristic of humans and their ancestors.

Sexual dimorphism

Differences in appearance between male and female members of the same species.

Valgus knee

A knee joint structure that angles inward, allowing for better balance in bipedalism.

Wide distal articular surface of the femur

An adaptation in bipedal primates that improves stability during walking.

Aligned hallux

A big toe that is in line with the other toes, critical for effective bipedal walking.

S-shaped spine

The curvature of the spine in humans, promoting balance and upright walking.

Gigantopithecus

The largest primate known, lived in Asia during the Pleistocene.

Proconsul

The earliest known genus of hominoids, important in the evolution of apes and humans.

Parapithecus

An early primate believed to be an ancestor of all New World monkeys.

Victoriapithecus

Considered the first known Old World monkey.

Dryopithecus

The earliest known European ape, significant in evolutionary studies.

Aegyptopithecus

A proposed common ancestor of both Old World monkeys and hominoids.

Branisella

The earliest known New World monkey, important for understanding primate evolution.

Sivapithecus

An ancient primate believed to be ancestral to orangutans.