Unit 1
Introduction to the Order Primates

This unit serves as an introduction to the order Primates, the zoological order to which humans and our closest relatives, the nonhuman primates, belong. Before considering the diversity of primate behaviours and social organizations in later units, we explore the physical and morphological diversity of the primates, and their geographical distribution. This unit contains a brief discussion of Darwin’s theory of natural selection, and provides an overview of the basic concepts of adaptation and zoological classification (taxonomy). Unit 1 also presents the concept of the primate pattern, and outlines the basic distinctions between the major groups of primates: prosimians (lemurs, lorises, tarsiers) and anthropoids (platyrrhines and catarrhines).

Objectives

When you have completed Unit 1, you should be able to

1. explain the concepts evolution, natural selection, and adaptation.
2. define the term primate, and discuss the features shared by all primates.
3. explain how the morphology and anatomy of primates is the result of adaptations to the environment, and discuss the evolutionary significance of key primate adaptations.
4. explain the principles of taxonomy and systematics.
5. describe the basic divisions of the order Primates.
6. categorize the major groups of primates (lemurs, lorises, tarsiers, platyrrhines and catarrhines) based on their morphological features.
7. provide examples of the variation in morphology and anatomy found in the order Primates.

Viewing Assignment

Watch one of the three videos listed below.

Zeller, Anne

1997 Five Species. Watertown, MA: Documentary Educational Resources.

This video describes and compares three monkey species and two ape species in terms of diet, habitats, locomotion, sexual dimorphism, vocalizations, physical descriptions, weaning behaviours, grooming, male-female interactions and social structure. Along with Primate Patterns II and Lemurs of Madagascar, this video provides a basis for understanding the characteristics of primates in general as well as comparisons across the different suborders of primates.

In the examination, you will be asked to give brief descriptions of the characteristics of two of these species. Pay attention to the functions of some of the behaviours described as well.

Zeller, Anne

1997 Primate Patterns II. Watertown, MA: Documentary Educational Resources.

This video continues the comparative approach of Five Species, describing and comparing three species of monkeys, one prosimian and two ape species in terms of diet, habitats, locomotion, sexual dimorphism, vocalizations, physical descriptions, weaning behaviours, grooming, and male-female interactions.

In the examination, you will be asked to give brief descriptions of the characteristics of two of these species. Pay attention to the functions of some of the behaviours described as well.

Zeller, Anne

1997 Lemurs of Madagascar. Watertown, MA: Documentary Educational Resources.

This video provides a detailed description and comparison of nine species of prosimians. Detailed descriptions of the habitat and behaviours are presented to provide an idea of the range of adaptations and diversity of behaviours across the suborder of Prosimii. The video compares the same type of behaviours seen in the two previous videos, but with a greater emphasis on habitats.

In the examination, you will be asked to give brief descriptions of the characteristics of two of these species (i.e., diet, habitats, locomotion, sexual dimorphism, vocalizations, physical descriptions, weaning behaviours, grooming, and male-female interactions). Pay attention to the functions of some of the behaviours described as well.

Note: Once you have completed the viewing assignment to your satisfaction, please return the video to the Athabasca University Library as soon as possible: the number of copies is limited, and other students will need it. Remember, too, to submit your request for the video for your next viewing assignment—see pages 19-20 in Unit 2 of the Study Guide.