ENV 3120 Study Guide - Final Guide: Stereopsis, Depth Perception, List Of Fossil Primates
30 Jun 2019
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Document Summary
First true primates evolved from primate-like mammals and involved a continuing adaptation to life in the trees. Primatelike mammals had beginnings of arboreal adaptations, and many had more generalized teeth capable of exploiting different types of foods and environments. --->depth perception for leaping from branch to branch. ->retention of primitive form with 5 digits helps. Visual predation model stereoscopic vision and grasping hands first evolved as adaptations for hunting insects along branches. ->other animals have stereoscopic vision including owls, hawks, cats. Argues that early insectivores hunted for insects along small branches, and allowed them to judge distance without moving their heads (which might give away their presence). Establishment of these traits allowed for further adaptation to the trees. ->primate origins might relate to eating fruit rather than insects. ->grasping hands are an adaptation for efficiently eating fruit that grow at the ends of long branches. First true primates appeared at the beginning of the eocene epoch.
