ANTH-A 107 Lecture Notes - Lecture 5: Biosynthesis, Brain Size, Dentition
Document Summary
Generalized five-finger hand- primitive trait inherited from ancestral vertebrate. Most primates need to eat vitamin c, most other animals synthesize vitamin c. need a dietary source of vitamin c. Primitive vertebrate trait- all ancient vertebrates need vitamin c, most vertebrates later developed ability to bio-synthesize. Analogous trait- all ancient vertebrates had ability to bio- synthesize vitamin c in diet, some vertebrate later lost the ability and thus need dietary source of vitamin c. Ancestral adaptations to ancient tropical forests, flowering plants, agile predators in 3d. Traits we share with other primates- big brains- long-lived, social, and smart, can solve social problems with their brains only relatively big. Big brain consequences- brain tissue grows slowly, longer maturation time, longer reproductive cycle, longer life, fewer offspring. Primates- open behavioral program, nature vs. nature, learning is critical to survival and to finding food, avoid predators, find mates, social environment- pay attention to status.
