Site MapHelpFeedbackWhat is a Primate?
What is a Primate?

Explore the history of primate evolution. Then study the characteristics of primates. Then take a short quiz.

Our Primate Origins: An Introduction
http://www.mnh.si.edu/anthro/humanorigins/ha/primate.html

Primate Evolution
The following charts are constructed as if the entire 4.6 billion year history of the earth has taken place in a single 30-day month. There is also a chart that shows the history of the earth since the extinction of the dinosaurs 65 million years ago as a single month.
kottak_06_3.swf (49.0K)

Characteristics of Primates (50.0K)

1
Primates include all of the following EXCEPT
A)Old World monkeys.
B)New World monkeys.
C)marsupials.
D)lemurs.
2
To say that humans are more closely related to chimpanzees than to other primates means that
A)humans evolved from chimpanzees.
B)humans and chimpanzees have similar body forms.
C)humans and chimpanzees both evolved from gorillas.
D)humans and chimpanzees share a more recent common ancestor than either does with other primates.
3
Which combination of traits differentiates primates from other mammals?
A)3-D vision, grasping hands and/or feet, nails
B)Tail, grasping hands and/or feet, post-orbital bar
C)3-D vision, claws, grasping hands and/or feet
D)Claws, tail, grasping hands and/or feet
4
Compared with other mammals of similar body size, primates have
A)shorter gestation period and slower post-natal growth rate.
B)longer gestation period and slower post-natal growth rate
C)smaller energy needs.
D)larger energy needs.
5
Approximately when did the orangutan lineage separated from the great ape lineage?
A)38million years ago
B)24 million years ago
C)13 million years ago
D)8 million years ago







Biological AnthropologyOnline Learning Center

Home > Chapter 6 > What is a Primate?