Anthropology 310

Today, more than 200 species of primates are recognized. The exact number varies based on the distinctions made between species and subspecies. It is becoming more common to classify primates based on the number of taxa (i.e., species), subspecies, and isolated populations, which number approximately 600.

The mouse lemur weighs between 24 and 38 grams. It is a nocturnal species native to west central Madagascar and an endangered species of primates.

Several species of primates, such as the Japanese macaque (snow monkey) and rhesus macaques, live in temperate climates.

When large male primates fight with one another, they are sometimes fighting for the privilege to court the female of their choice. Because a male cannot force a female to copulate, he must use his social skills to convince her to mate with him. This is called female choice.

Although the white-face capuchin has appeared in many movies [e.g., Outbreak (Africa) and Anaconda (Borneo)], it actually lives in Central America and parts of South America. Because of its many Hollywood appearances, it has become popular in the pet trade, which is a factor that contributes to the threat of extinction for many species.

Studies have shown that primates have a “theory of mind,” that is, they seem to know what the others know and are able to use this knowledge to deceive and manipulate. This is often referred to as Machiavellian intelligence.

Several other animals use tools, including many species of birds. In fact, only a few species of primates have been observed to use tools in the wild, the most famous of which is the chimpanzee. However, many populations of chimpanzees have never been observed using tools.

Although it is often thought to be a monkey call, this sound is made by the Kookaburra (bird), which lives in Australia. Its famous call is often heard in jungle movies, regardless of location.

Although the term murder is reserved for humans, a few instances of what might be called murder have been observed among primates. Although these occurrences are very rare, it does reinforce the similarities between us and our closest relatives.

While all of these factors threaten primate conservation, the greatest threat today is from deforestation for purposes of logging or cultivating land for human populations.