Mortin College Science Worksheet

1.Explain why primates are not easily distinguished as a taxonomic group and give a specific example.2. Describe the aboreal hypothesis as a reason primates took to arboreal living as an adaptive niche.
3. Explain the visual predation hypothesis as a reason primates took to arboreal living as an adaptive niche.
4. Explain the hypothesis suggested by Sussman in 1991 cited as the reason primates took to arboreal living
as an adaptive niche.
5. Describe (A) brachiation as a form of locomotion and (B) semi-brachiation. Include the primates used in
these types of locomotion.
6. Review Figure 6-5. Describe the term dental formula.
7. The text states that Primates rely heavily on sight and less on smell compared to other mammals. State the
four evolutionary changes reflecting this statement. Include a brief description of each change.
8. Consult the classification scheme for primates outlined in Figure 6-9. Follow the dark bluepurple line. List all of the taxonomic categories to which humans belong in a sequence
(Entries B-J) from the most inclusive category to the most exclusive category in the
scheme. The first category has been completed for you. Spelling counts!
Entry
Taxanomic Category
(A)
Primates
(B)
(C)
(D)
(E)
(F)
(G)
(H)
(I)
(J)
9. The lemurs and lorises are considered the most primitive (i.e. least derived) of the primates. Explain this
statement.
10. Considering the Tarsiers as a group.
Describe their 1) geographic location and 2) ecological characteristics.
11. Identify the unique (among primates) feature of the tarsier′s vision.
12. List ten (10) physical (structural/anatomical) characteristics of the anthropoids that distinguish them
from the lemurs and lorises.
13. Compare the geographic distributions of the New World and Old World monkeys.
14. Pretend you are at the zoo and are observing a primate exhibit featuring monkeys.
What traits could be used to determine whether the exhibit features a New World or Old
World monkey species?
15. In your own words, define sexual dimorphism and provide and example
16. For the orangutans, list (1) the geographical range; (2) locomotion; (3) ecological niche; and (4)
sexual dimorphism.
17. For the gorillas, list (1) the geographical range; (2) locomotion; (3) ecological niche; and (4) sexual
dimorphism.
18. For chimpanzees, describe the (A) physical attributes, (B) geographical range and (C) ecological
adaptations of the common chimpanzee.
19. Compare and contrast bonobos with chimpanzees
20. Explain the dental formula 2.1.2.3.
21. List the three main reasons why nonhuman primate populations endangered.
Why is their extinction of grave concern? ( see Section How Do We Know? )
22. What specific human activities threaten the existence of nonhuman primates in the wild?
What can you do to help save nonhuman primates from extinction?