53Living Primates
CHAPTER 3
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What Are the Characteristics of the
Primates Inhabiting the World Today?
Compared to other mammals, primates possess a relatively unspecialized anatomy, while their
behavioral patterns are diverse and flexible. Although the earliest primates were active at night
and tree dwelling, relatively few of the living primates still behave in this way. Most primate
groups today live in social groups and are quite active in the day. Brain expansion and develop-
ment of visual acuity in place of a reliance on sense of smell accompanied this behavioral shift.
While some primates still live in the trees, many species today are ground dwelling; some move
into the trees only to forage or to sleep at night.
What Is the Place of Humanity among
the Other Animals?
Biologists classify humans as belonging to the primate or-
der, a mammalian group that also includes lemurs, lorises,
tarsiers, monkeys, and apes. Among the primates, humans
are most closely related to the apes, particularly to chimpan-
zees, bonobos, and gorillas. A common evolutionary history
is responsible for the characteristics shared by humans and
other primates. By studying the anatomy, physiology, and
molecular structure of the other primates, we can gain a bet-
ter understanding of what human characteristics we owe to
our general primate ancestry and what traits are uniquely
human.
Why Is Primate Conservation of Vital
Importance to Anthropologists Today?
Anthropologists study other primates because their biology
and behavior are so close to those of humans. Yet it is hu-
man behavior—politically and economically—that threatens
primates throughout their natural ranges. Today, as a result
of human destruction of primate habitats and the hunting of
primates for bushmeat or souvenirs, nearly 50 percent of the
known 634 primate species and subspecies are threatened with
extinction in the next decade. Anthropological perspectives
contribute significantly to preventing the extinction of our pri-
mate cousins.