1. Primate characteristics

2. Primate characteristics and diversity Madagascar

4. Gigantopithecus Est. 1,000 lbs. Broad size range A bushbaby

5. Quadrupedal locomotion

6. A brachiator A gibbon

7. Flexible, generalized limb structure; e.g.: a vertical clinger and leaper A lemur

8. Centers of gravity and pelvis shape Bipedalism

10. Gibbons On a evolutionary branch separated from all other primates Relatively small ‘lesser’ apes 13-25 lbs. 9 species SE Asia Facultative bipedalism

11. Chimpanzee: wrong pelvis for sustained bipedalism Facultative bipedalism

13. Prehensile hands (Opposable thumb) Retention of 5 digits

14. Nails instead of claws.

15. Tactile pads at ends of digits.

16. Diet and teeth 1. Lack of specialization. 2. Generalized dentition.

18. Orbit fully enclosed Postorbital bar Orbit completely open

19. Visual information from each eye to visual centers in both hemispheres of brain Color vision: evolutionary trend for diurnal activity. 3-D vision

20. Reduced reliance on information from odors

21. Decreased reliance on sense of smell.

22. Increase in size and complexity of brain.

23. Long gestation. Reduced numbers of offspring/pregnancy. Extended period of time to reach reproductive maturity Greater dependence on flexible, learned behaviors

24. Menstrual and estrus cycles)

25. Brain size

26. c. 55 mya Modern primates

27. Prosimians Primitive Southeast Asia, Africa, Indonesia, Madagascar Snout with moist, fleshy nose-pad Madagascan radiation: formerly 44 species of lemurs. Size range. Humans arrived c. 2,000 ybp Therefore, many species exterminated

28. Specialized features Aye-aye Madagascar

29. Lemurs Madagascar Lemurs: e.g., Ring-tailed--mostly terrestrial e.g., Sifakas--arboreal

30. Lorises Gabon, Central Africa Different niches

31. Tarsier SE Asia