Question

a) The lemurs and lorises are considered the most primitive (i.e. least derived) of the primates. Explain this statement.

b) Compare the geographic distributions of the New World and Old World monkeys

c) What can you do to help save nonhuman primates from extinction?

d) Describe (A) brachiation as a form of locomotion and (B) semi-brachiation. Include the primates used in these types of locomotion.

e) Primates rely heavily on sight and less on smell compared to other mammals. State the four evolutionary changes reflecting this statement. Include a brief description of each change

Answer 1

a)In the classification of the primates,the lemurs and lorises would be placed in the suborder Strepsirhin iLemurs and lorises are all closely related .Only for a few extinct Lemurs are largely arboreal.They run along branches,clamber up trunks and leap between branches and trees.

b)The New World Monkeys are the five families of primates that are found in the tropical regions of Central and South America and Mexico.The old world monkeys are native to Africa and Asia today

c)Primates pet trade:Infant primates are ideal for the illegal trade as the live longer and are less aggressive.For the primates unfortunate enough to be kept in captivity like this,there is always a chance of devolping disases such as tuberculosis,hepatitis.So pet trade should be strictly stopped.Biomedical research using primates should primates should be strictly stopped.

d)Brachiation form of locomotion:Its a specialized form of arboreal locomotion in which movement is accomplished by swinging fro one hold to another by the arms.Lemurs show this type of locomotion.

Semibrachiation assisted by use of a prehensile tail.