Primate

Primate

Primates are a group of mammals that contains all the species commonly related to the lemurs, monkeys, and apes, with the latter category including humans. The name 'Primate' derives from Latin, meaning 'first rank' or 'prime'. This order of mammals is characterized by their higher degree of complexity in terms of behavior and cognition compared to other animals.

Characteristics

Primates have five fingers (pentadactylism), a characteristic shared with many other mammals. They have a clavicle or collar bone, and their fingers and toes have flat nails. Most primates are highly social and have complex methods of communication including vocal, visual, and olfactory signals.

Classification

The order Primates is divided into two main suborders: the Strepsirrhini and the Haplorhini. Strepsirrhini includes the lemurs and lorises, while Haplorhini includes the tarsiers and the simians (monkeys, apes, and humans).

Evolution

The exact evolutionary history of primates is uncertain and a subject of ongoing research. However, it is believed that primates first appeared during the Cretaceous period, around 66 million years ago.

Primates and Humans

Humans are categorized under the family Hominidae (the great apes), and are the only extant members of the subtribe Hominina. The study of primates, and by extension, humans, is known as primatology.

See Also

• Evolution of primates
• List of primates
• Primate cognition
• Primate conservation

External Links

• Primate | mammal | Britannica
• Primates, Facts and Information | National Geographic