This chapter concludes the three-chapter sequence on primate taxonomy (7–9) by focusing on the human species in taxonomic and evolutionary perspective. The first part of the chapter looks at unique human characteristics, including large brain size, bipedalism, and small canines. The human life cycle is also examined, including patterns of reproduction and physical growth. The second part of the chapter examines two areas once thought to be uniquely human—tool making and language acquisition.
1. You should be familiar with the categories of primates known as prosimians and anthropoids. You should know the main types of each category and how they are characterized. |
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2. You should know the defining characteristics of monkeys, and the differences between Old World and New World monkeys. |
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3. You should be familiar with the hominoid group, including apes and humans. You should know their main characteristics and some of the methods used to classify them. You should know their physical characteristics, distribution, environments, and social structures, and be able to compare biology and behavior among apes. |