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1.5 describe primate characteristics, including: hand/foot structure and function, including opposable thumb or toe skull shape and function brain size relative to body size arrangement of the vertebral column to the degree of upright stance vision, including degree of stereoscopic vision, colour vision reproductive features, including single live young and relatively long gestation parenting and group bonding
describe primate characteristics including:
- hand/foot structure and function, including opposable thumb or toe
- skull shape and function
- brain size relative to body size
- arrangement of the vertebral column to the degree of upright stance
- vision, including degree of stereoscopic vision, colour vision
- reproductive features, including single live young and relatively long gestation
- parenting and group bonding
Background
Primates have many characteristics but have no features that every member possesses. As you read through the general features of primates you will notice that you do not share all of the features (e.g. you have an opposable thumb but you do not have opposable toes).
The features of primates are more like a collection of similarities including the following.
- Hand/foot structure: Primates have five flexible digits (pentadactyl limb). The toe and thumb are opposable. These enable objects to be grasped and manipulated. Primates have two different types of grip called the power grip and the precision grip. The power grip is used to grasp objects like branches while the precision grip is used for manipulation of fine objects and is best seen in humans. Most primates have nails instead of claws and have sensitive pads on the end of the fingers.
- Skull shape and function: Primates have an enlarged skull to protect the relatively large brain. Most primates have a flatter face with a shortened nose, this leads to better depth perception but poorer sense of smell.
- Brain size relative to body size: Primates have well developed brains and when compared to other animals of equal size have a larger relative brain size to body size.
- Arrangement of the vertebral column: Primates trend towards an upright stance, have an S-shaped spine and the foramen magnum is centred under the skull.
- Vision: Primates have large forward facing eyes. This gives a good view of overlap and stereoscopic vision is an important feature if you are jumping from branch to branch in a tree. Primates also have good colour vision, once again an important adaptation to finding fruit in trees, especially if you have a reduced sense of smell.
- Reproductive features: Primates have a long gestation period (length of pregnancy) and produce usually a single baby. Most primates have a restricted breeding period and two nipples.
- Parenting and group bonding: Primates are dependant for a long period of time. This allows a long learning time for the young to develop social skills that enable group living. Living in groups is a form of protection against predators and increases the chances of finding food. Many primate groups are well organised with a clear hierarchy of position.
Primates Overview
Behavioral Sciences Department, Palomar College, San Marcos, California