Diversity
Derived Characteristics
Ancestral Characteristics
Fun Fact: One theory for how some primates moved to become bipedal, is adapting to live in a more grassland environment.
Fun Fact: Similar to humans, chimps have been known to wage war on other groups, using raid groups.
Although, there is not mauch we can find out about the behavior of early Hominoids we can expect that they share similar behaviors of chimps, although maybe even more advanced.
Early hominoids were the first primates to shift to bipedality. While they were bipedal, they are still very different than modern humans, yet closer to human than any other species. These new hominoids had some key differences from other primates, that made them who they are.
Spine connection beneath skull
Primates evolved to produce major clades such as African/Asian Monkeys and also Hominoids. These Hominoids give us a better idea of where humans evolved from and what kinds of characteristics we inherited from these primates.
Different primate groups have different social structures. Apes tend to have a hierarchical structure based on dominance, while other kinds like the Central/South American Monkeys have a more egalitarian structure.
Chimps also express similar facial and body language expressions as humans when experiencing emotions. For example a chimp will show teeth when happy, scream in anger, make play faces, and even laugh.
Some primates like chimpanzees have extended periods of development and parent care. This allows for more thorough parenting and teaching and is a trait that is shared in both chimps and humans.
Group Living: Generally, primates are very social and prefer to live in a group society. This has many advantages and disadvantages.
Advantages:
Predater protection, better for locating resources, available mates, bonding
Disadvantages:
More resource competition, internal violence, mate competition, disease spread
Fun Fact: Slow Lorises have toxic bites that can cause anaphylactic shock.
Many primates look nothing alike, although they all share some key similarities that make them primates. However, each clade has its own unique traits that they have inherited or adapted.
Fun Fact: Primates can range greatly in size! The smallest being only 35 grams all the way up to 400 pounds.
Different clades of primates are located all throughout the world, including South America, Africa, Madagascar, and Asia.
A trait that is relatively newer in the evolution line and may be unique to a specific clade.
Characteristics that were shared by a common acestor, not unique to a group.