ANTH-A 107 Lecture Notes - Lecture 8: Pongidae, Genetic Distance, Parallel Evolution
Document Summary
But the chimps genotype is closer to that of a human, despite the appearance similarities between chimps and gorillas genetic distance. Similarity in phenotype can be an ambiguous guide to evolutionary relationships. Not all similarities are equally useful for reconstructing relationships. Wings that evolved independently in different lineages are. Underlying bone structure is the same, or homologous traits. Shared with all primates, the hand structure. Ancestor- primitive trait (single toe) derived trait (five toe)- humans, lizards, horses. Tests for primitive , widespread character trait, character in outgroups. Homologous traits: shared primitive traits- deep ancestry, Generalized 5-finger hand- primate order and relations to each other. Traits we share with other primates: sensitive grasping hand, binocular vision (can look a chimp in the eyes), complex 3d environment, hand-eye coordination. Primates live in tropical environments southern europe, india, Primates are incredibly diverse especially in terms of size. Analogous similarities- evolved independently due to adaptive advantage.
