Unit 1
What is Primatology?

This unit serves as an introduction to the field of behavioural primatology. We explore why biological anthropologists use living primates as study subjects, and what studying non-human primate behaviour might tell us about human behaviour. You will look at the different current and historical perspectives for approaching primate behaviour, and will be introduced to key concepts that establish the explanatory framework for later units. This unit also addresses the classification schemes for describing basic units of behaviour, and the advantages and disadvantages of field and captive studies.

Objectives

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

1. explain why primates are (and have historically been) of particular interest to scholars in biological anthropology.
2. discuss the historical stages and thematic evolution the field of primatology has undergone from the beginning of the 20th century to the present.
3. define and explain the concepts of sociobiology and behavioural ecology.
4. define key terms as they are applied to describing primate behaviour, social organization, ecology, taxonomy and activity patterns.
5. evaluate the merits and drawbacks of captive and field studies for investigating primate behaviour.

Viewing Assignments

In preparation for the first examination, you must watch at least three videos listed in Units 1 through 5. Each unit gives you two video options, so that by the end of Unit 5 you should have watched three videos from these four options:

Five Species or Primate Patterns II
Lemurs of Madagascar or Spirits of the Forest
Darwin’s Revolution in Thought or Great Transformations
Images from the Field or Baboon Tales

It does not matter the order in which you watch your video options, but the viewing assignments for each unit offer you a guide. Remember, completing a viewing assignment differs from watching a video for pleasure. You should consider watching each video twice: once to get an overview, and once to make notes. Study questions or instructions for viewing are supplied for each video; be certain that you read them over before you begin watching, and keep them in mind as you complete the assignment and make your notes.

Unit 1 Viewing Assignment

Watch one of the 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.

or

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 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.

Alternative Reading Assignment

If you cannot complete the viewing assignment before the midterm examination, you must do the alternative reading assignment instead. You may combine the reading with viewing assignments so that you have a total of three video and reading combinations. For example, you can watch two videos and do one reading assignment for the midterm. Or, if you cannot watch any videos then you must complete three reading assignments from the four options presented in Units 1-5. The reading materials can be ordered from the library. Be sure you can answer the questions below each assignment.

Unit 1 Alternative Reading Assignment

Using any of your course materials, familiarize yourself with two species of primates. Pay special attention to their common and scientific name, diet, habitat, locomotion, sexual dimorphism, vocalizations, physical descriptions, weaning behaviours (if possible), grooming, male-female interactions, and social structure.