Classification of Primates Flashcards

Prosimii

• Early diverging group of primates found in Africa, Asia, and Indonesia.
• Characterized by large eyes, nocturnal behavior, independently mobile ears, and a reliance on scent marking.

Strepsirhine

• Consists of lemurs and lorises with moist noses (rhinarium).
• Distinctive features include a tapetum, dental comb, and grooming claw.
• Movements primarily involve vertical clinging and leaping.

Lemuriformes

• Primarily localized in Madagascar.
• Exhibit both nocturnal and diurnal lifestyles.
• Include some of the smallest primates like Aye-ayes, Indris, sifakas, and various lemur species.

Lorisiformes

• Includes families Galagidae and Lorisidae.
• Galagidae are characterized by vertical clinging and leaping, while Lorisidae utilize slow climbing and walking.
• Lorisidae inhabits Asia (lorises) and Africa (pottos), Galagidae is exclusive to Africa (bush babies).

Tarsiiformes

• Comprises the Tarsius genus, native to Southeast Asia.
• Nocturnal with no tapetum; possesses elongated tarsal bones for leaping.
• Features a large eyes-to-body ratio and an ability to swivel necks 180 degrees.

Anthropoidea

• Encompasses monkeys, apes, and humans; all species are diurnal.
• Adaptations include reduced reliance on scent, flatter faces, and mobile upper lips.
• Characterized by dry noses and smaller immobile ears.

Platyrrhini

• Identified by flat, side-facing nostrils; includes New World monkeys from neotropical regions.
• All species are arboreal and typically smaller than Old World monkeys.
• Several species have prehensile tails, indicating parallel evolution with Old World monkey characteristics.

Callitrichidae

• Family of marmosets and tamarins, the smallest monkeys.
• Unique traits include claws instead of nails (except for the big toe) and living in monogamous groups.
• Notable for giving birth to twins and male infant care, with minimal sexual dimorphism.

Cebidae

• Extremely diverse family including various genera: Aotus (owl monkeys), Saimiri (squirrel monkeys), Cebus (capuchin monkeys), etc.
• Reflects a wide range of adaptations and ecological niches.

Atelidae

• Notable for having prehensile tails; includes four genera: Ateles (spider monkeys), Alouatta (howler monkeys), Lagothrix (woolly monkeys), Brachyteles (woolly spider monkeys).

Catarrhini

• Defined by downward-facing nostrils; includes Old World monkeys, apes, and humans.

Cercopithecoidea

• Comprises all Old World monkeys, adapted to various environments.
• All species are diurnal, primarily give birth to single infants, and show greater body size compared to New World monkeys.

Cercopithecinae

• Exhibits diverse habitats, diets, and social structures with a propensity for ground dwelling.
• Characterized by ischial callosities and cheek pouches for food storage.
• Key genera include baboons (Papio) and macaques (Macaca), notable for their extensive studies in behavior and social structures.

Colobinae

• Includes colobus monkeys and langurs specialized for leaf-eating.
• Features include sacculated stomachs to digest cellulose, deep jaws with narrow incisors, and adaptations for an arboreal lifestyle.

Africa: Three Genera of Colobinae

• Black and White Colobus (Colobus), Red Colobus (Piliocolobus), and Olive Colobus (Procolobus).

Asia: Genera of Colobinae

• Comprises primarily langurs and leaf monkeys.

Odd-nosed Monkeys

• Includes snub-nosed monkeys and the Proboscis monkey (Nasalis larvatus).

Hominoidea

• Encompasses apes and humans, divided into three families: Hylobatidae, Pongidae, and Hominidae.
• Characteristic traits include lack of tails, larger body size and weight, and a greater brain-to-body weight ratio.

Hylobatidae

• Comprises gibbons and siamangs, known as lesser apes, typically found in Southeast Asia.
• Adaptations include monogamous social systems and the ability to brachiate due to long, strong arms and elongated fingers.