PRIMATES - LIFE IN THE TREES

Primates are categorized into three major groups, the Presimians (e.g. Lemurs), the New World Monkeys (e.g. Squirrel Monkeys) and the Old World Monkeys (e.g. Gorillas). Definitive features of primates are a pentadactyl limb with an opposable thumb. Humans share a genetic sequence of 99% with chimpanzees, classifying them as modern apes.

My assignment will cover the classification with distinct similarities and unique features of each of the three groups. Along with this I will place them in the evolutionary line of all organisms and what makes primates different from all other organisms.

I will also look at the biogeography of each of the three groups and look at how location and climate affect the lifestyles and adaptations of each group. Also I will look at the biological relationship of humans with other apes and how different and similar they are.

Over 100 species, approaching half of all primates, are threatened or endangered. The tropical forests where most primates live are disappearing at an alarming rate. Gorillas are one of the predominant species under threat. This mostly occurs in countries in turmoil and so conservation of species is difficult. Jane Goodall and others who have done field studies of primates in their natural habitat have shown that dedicated individuals are one of the keys to successful conservation.

 

Anzio Abels
Biodiversity & Conservation Biology Department
University of the Western Cape
2429667@uwc.ac.za