Primates

Primates are animals belonging to the Mammalia class. Lemurs, Monkeys, Tarsiers, Lorises, and Apes, including humans, are examples of modern primates. The largest primate is the eastern gorilla, weighing over 400 pounds, and the smallest is the Madame Berthe's mouse lemur which barely weighs 1 ounce. There are roughly 300 species of Primate, which puts makes them the third most varied mammal group, after rodents and bats. Compared to their physical size, Primates have large brains and high intellect and have descended from tree-dwelling ancestors. Large opposable thumbs and toes allow them to easily grab branches and other animals, and the nerve endings on their hands and feet are unique, which makes them more sensitive to touch.

Primate Communication

Primates use a range of vocalizations like shouting, grunting, screeching, singing, howling, and hooting, and like dicussed before, use facial expressions. They also groom each other in order to strengthen social ties and get rid of parasites. Also, some lorises and lemurs have a unique front row of teeth called a toothcomb that they will use to groom one another and themselves.

Evolution

It is the belief that primates evolved as early as 80 million years ago with early fossil proof-small marmoset like animals-that dates back around 55 million years and found in Asia, Europe, and North America. Lemur fossil evidence shows that they once lived in Africa and Asia and likely reached Madagascar by floating on vegetation. Similarly, New World monkeys are thought to cross the Atlantic Ocean from Africa to South America 40 million years ago. Although much is still uncertain, ongoing research and fossil discovery continue to shed light on primates' complex evolutionary history.