Primate Evolution and Traits Quiz

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Questions and Answers

What is the primary basis for clade classification among apes?

  • Geographical distribution and habitat
  • Similar appearance and lifestyle
  • Shared derived traits and genetic evidence (correct)
  • Overall body size and weight

Which of the following apes is excluded from a grade grouping that includes gorillas, chimpanzees, and bonobos?

  • Gorilla
  • Bonobo
  • Chimpanzee
  • Orangutan (correct)

In contrast to clade classification, what do grade groupings primarily reflect?

  • Genetic differences
  • Social behaviors
  • Levels of adaptation or overall similarity (correct)
  • Evolutionary ancestry

What characteristics lead to the grouping of certain apes in a grade classification?

<p>Large body size and body hair (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why are humans often considered unusual in comparisons with other apes?

<p>Humans lack body hair compared to other apes (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary reason many nonprimates have fewer digits than primates?

<p>They are specialized for high-speed terrestrial running. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the age of the earliest primate fossils, indicating the appearance of opposable thumbs and toes?

<p>55 million years ago (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which trait is considered an ancestral characteristic in primates?

<p>Pentadactyly (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How do opposable thumbs and toes aid primates in their environment?

<p>They enable climbing and manipulation of objects. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which statement about pentadactyly is true regarding primates and nonprimates?

<p>Primates typically possess five digits on each limb. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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Study Notes

Clade vs. Grade

  • Clade grouping is based on shared derived traits and genetic evidence, reflecting close evolutionary relationships.
  • Grade grouping reflects levels of adaptation or overall similarity, not necessarily evolutionary relationships.

Primate Traits

  • Primates have the generalized trait of pentadactyly, possessing five digits on each limb.
  • Opposable thumbs and toes are derived traits that appeared in the earliest primate fossils, enabling primates to be excellent climbers and manipulators.

Dietary Types Among Primates

  • Frugivores are primarily fruit eaters.
  • Insectivores primarily eat insects.
  • Folivores primarily eat leaves.
  • Gummivores specialize in eating gums and saps.

Locomotor Adaptations

  • Vertical clinging and leaping: Primates with this adaptation have longer legs than arms, long fingers and toes, smaller bodies, and elongated ankle bones.
  • Quadrupedalism: The most common form of locomotion among primates. Terrestrial quadrupeds have longer arms and legs, often with shorter tails. Arboreal quadrupeds have shorter arms and legs and longer tails.
  • Brachiation: A form of locomotion in which primates swing from branch to branch using their arms.
  • Bipedalism: Walking on two legs, a form of locomotion unique to humans.

Suborder Strepsirrhini

  • Strepsirrhini are a suborder of primates that includes lemurs, lorises, and galagos.
  • Strepsirrhines have a number of primitive characteristics, including a wet nose, a tooth comb, and a grooming claw.

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