Chapter 16.1, Problem 5MI

Summary Introduction

To classify:

The subgroups of anthropoids by completing the given diagram

Introduction:

There are more than 200 species belonging to the group of primates. They are classified into two major subgroups; the strepsirrhines and the haplorhines. The strepsirrhines or the ‘wet nosed” primates are considered to be the most basic primates. The haplorhines or the “dry nosed” primates include the anthropoids or human- like primates and a unique primate called tarsier.

Answer to Problem 5MI

Explanation of Solution

The anthropoids are a large group of primates that include monkeys and apes. They are larger than the strepsirrhines and have larger brains in comparison to their body size. They are mostly diurnal, have color vision and have more complex social interactions. They live longer than lemurs.

The anthropoid monkeys are split into three groups; the New World monkeys, the Old World monkeys and the Apes. New World refers to America and Old World refers to Africa, Asia, and Europe. New World monkeys include marmosets, tamarins, squirrel monkeys, spider monkeys and capuchin monkeys. Old World monkeys include macaques and baboons in one group and colobus and proboscis monkeys in another group.

The apes are classified into two categories; the lesser apes and the great apes. The lesser apes include gibbons and siamangs while the great apes include orangutans, gorillas, chimpanzees, and humans. The humans can be placed in a separate group of hominins..