ANT203H5 Lecture Notes - Lecture 20: Bipedalism, Tarsius, Insectivore
Document Summary
The tree shews are the closely related to the primates. In traditional clasifications, you have two suborders: anthropoidea includes monkeys and apes. This is the most common classification used today. Primitive traits, you have 5 digits: generalized limb structure, including retention of clavicle. You could see primates in general, needed in life in the trees: opposable thumb, tactile pads. Sensitivity: nails on some or all digits, tendency towards upright posture, reduced sense of smell & accompanying area of brain. Increased encephalization: extreme k" selection (fewer offspring) Primates have big brains, especially when you consider body size. R selection alternative of k, lots of offsprings, fast growth rate. K selection birth rate is very low: prolonged infant dependency & increased learning & socialization, transfer of learned behaviors, complex social groups, complex forms of communication. Visual predation theory (cartmill, 1974): binocular vision, good grasping capabilities, and highly refined eye-hand coordination are adaptations for insect hunting in low branches.
