by Angie Pollock

Created on: May 12, 2009

There are over 200 species of animals that are considered primates. Scientists have separated primates into two groups, anthropoids and prosimians. The anthropoids include monkeys, apes, and even human beings while prosimians consist of lemurs, tarsiers, and pottos, among others. Most primates are located in subtropical environments, while others can be found roaming regions of Japan, and the human is the most abundant primate which can be located in almost every region of the world.

All primates have the ability to climb trees but spend a majority of their lives with their feet planted firmly on the ground. The most common characteristic in primates are their "hands". Most primates will have five digits on both their hands and feet which can grasp objects. Rather than long claws like those found on mammals like lions and tigers, most primates have flat nails on both their hands and feet.

There are also differences in many of the species of primates. Some are more active during the day (the anthropoids) and others are nocturnal which most of the prosimians are considered to be. Anthropoids also have color vision while most but not all prosimians are colorblind. Because prosimians are mostly nocturnal, their eyesight adjusts much clearer in the darkness. Anthropoids can focus both eyes on a specific object which allows the brain to judge distance, an ability that makes tree climbing and jumping possible.

Primates eat a variety of plant life and other animals. The diet of most primates is vast and humans are the most commonly diverse with their consumption of different foods. There are primates that primarily eat fruits and leaves while others like chimpanzees will also feed on larger mammal such as antelope and gazelles.

Most species of primates are social animals and prefer to live in groups of their own kind. Interaction is important as is bonding. Monkeys can be seen grooming their young and will have strong attachments to their offspring. The same can be said for humans. And just like with humans, communities of primates such as the chimpanzees are quite territorial and "wars" can erupt among neighboring groups which can lead to the destruction of life.

The reproductive cycle of primates will vary depending upon the species. Most animals of this group tend to have single to only a few offspring with each pregnancy. These offspring will be cared for by their parent or parents for a longer period of time compared to other mammals. This time spent together is used to prepare the young for adulthood. Most primate fathers do not carry out any daily care for their offspring but they will defend their young to the death when their lives are in danger.

The most common threat to primates is other primates, specifically humans. There are several species that have become endangered including the golden lion tamarin and the gorilla. The loss of their natural habitat is a specific problem to the dwindling of populations. In some countries, species of primates are slaughtered because they are considered a nuisance. Some types of monkeys are hunted and consumed in countries like West Africa and South America. Most researchers believe that until the most populous of primates (humans) begin to conserve the environment and wildlife habitats, other species of primates will ultimately not be able to survive in the wild or will become extinct.

References:

THE NEW BOOK OF KNOWLEDGE, Grolier, copyright 1999.

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