Recording-2025-03-12T11:29:15.707Z

Taxonomy of Primates

• Every species has its role in taxonomy, utilizing traits for classification.

• Similar trait clusters define taxonomic groups.

Major Taxonomic Groups of Primates

• Hominoid Superfamily: Includes humans, African apes, and Asian apes.

  • Hominoids + Old World monkeys = Catarrhines.

  • Catarrhines are distinct from New World monkeys, or Platyrrhines.

• Anthropoids: Formed from the combination of Platyrrhines and Catarrhines.

• Proscenians: Include lemurs and lorises; these are less developed in terms of primate traits.

• Parsiers: An intermediate group separate from Proscenians.

Groups Overview

• Three Major Taxonomic Groups:

  • Anthropoids

  • Parsiers

  • Proscenians

• Taxonomic classifications may differ; some textbooks categorize into Haplorrhini and Strepsirrhini based on phylogenetic relationships.

• Current recognition of approximately 500 primate species indicating significant variation.

• Focus should be on understanding traits that characterize higher taxonomic groups, such as anthropoids and hominoids.