Understanding Primate Traits: Anatomy and Evolutionary Links

ANTH 105 Human Evolution Spring 2024 Page 1 of 4 Lab 2: What is a Primate? Total Points: 20 pts. Name: TA & Section: Part 1: Primate Skeletal Anatomy Evolutionary relationships can be studied by examining the skeletal morphology of different organisms. Therefore, you should be familiar with basic primate skeletal anatomy. After reviewing the main bones, test your skills by completing this “Label the Skeleton” quiz: https://www.purposegames.com/game/label-the-skeleton-game Once you click on the link, zoom out if necessary, so that you can see the entire skeleton, then press the play button in the middle. The instructor was able to finish the quiz in 1:24 with a perfect score. Can you beat the record? But do not worry if you do not get a perfect score or a record time. 1. Paste a screenshot of your best score here: (6 pts.) Part 2: Key Traits in Evolution Taxonomy is the science of naming and classifying biological organisms. The identification of key traits in evolutionary studies allows us to determine which species are closely related. 2. In your own words, explain the difference between ancestral and derived traits. (1 pt.) 3. Describe at least one ancestral and one derived trait in primates. (2 pts.) 4. What is an example of a specialized trait in primates? (1 pt.) Aya Ghalyon Kevin Oliver Suemnicht - Wednesday 8am-10am Ancestral traits are characteristics inherited from a common ancestor, while derived traits are modi fi cations that have evolved since the divergence from that ancestor. An ancestral trait in primates could be fi ve digits on each limb, while a derived trait could be opposable thumbs. A specialized trait in primates is the presence of forward-facing eyes, which enhances depth perception and binocular vision.

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ANTH 105 Human Evolution Spring 2024 Page 2 of 4 Part 3: The Primate Suite of Traits Modern primates possess a suite of traits that differ from other mammals and reflect the major trends in primate evolution. These include an enclosed postorbital anatomy (bar/plate), trichromacy, large brains, and arboreal adaptations. Using the images provided below, identify the primate traits circled in red. Be as specific as possible with your answers. 5. Observe the following image of a primate. Based on the primate suite of traits, what is the name of the skeletal trait circled in red? What type of evolutionary trait (ancestral or derived) does this anatomy represent in primates? Be specific with your answers. (1.5 pts) The red-circled feature, ca ll ed the Postorbital Bar, is a special bone structure seen in primates that separates them from other animals. It's part of their sku ll and shows how their eyes are enclosed di ff erently, which helps them see better in trees. This change happened over a long time as primates adapted to living in forests, making it a unique derived trait in their family tree.

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ANTH 105 Human Evolution Spring 2024 Page 3 of 4 6. Observe the following image of a primate. Based on the primate suite of traits, what is the name of the skeletal trait circled in red? Be specific with your answers. (0.5 pts) The name of the skeletal trait is the opposable thumbs

ANTH 105 Human Evolution Spring 2024 Page 4 of 4 Part 4: Primate Traits in Action In this activity, you will observe the primate suite of traits in action. Watch the following videos about living primates and answer the corresponding questions about primate traits. 7. Watch this video on Spider monkeys: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yqzVI0CSKCU&t=111s 7a. Describe at least two different key primate traits that can be discerned in this video. (2 pts.) 7b. Explain how these traits might benefit spider monkeys. (2 pts.) 8. Watch this video on Chimpanzees: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BjMhSfxL1sw 8a. Describe at least two different key primate traits that can be discerned in this video. (2 pts.) 8b. Explain how these traits might benefit chimpanzees. (2 pts.) The video depicts spider monkeys displaying two key primate traits: a prehensile tail, which they use to grasp and manipulate objects, and an apprehensive tail, utilized for communication and emotional expression. In the case of spider monkeys, the prehensile tail enables them to navigate adeptly through the forest canopy by providing extra support and balance, while the apprehensive tail aids in social communication within the group, facilitating coordination during activities such as foraging and predator detection. In this video, two key primate traits are evident: complex emotional expression through facial expressions like yawning and laughing, and the ability to learn from each other by observing and imitating behaviors These traits bene fi t chimpanzees by promoting social bonding and communication within their groups. The expression of complex emotions helps in resolving con fl icts and fostering group cohesion, while observational learning facilitates the transfer of knowledge and the development of adaptive behaviors, ultimately aiding in their survival and adaptation.

ANTH105 Lab 2

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