Primates can be defined as members of the mammalian order Primates and are divided into two subgroups: the prosimians (lorises, lemurs and tarsiesrs) and anthropoids (human, monkeys and apes). Primates share many different traits and characteristics with other mammals, especially regarding hair, teeth, an ability to remain an internal constant body temperature, brain size and a capability to learn. However, there are also features that make primates distinct from other mammals. For example, in contrast to other mammals, primates remained generalized, which means that they keep some traits of their ancestors that other groups of mammals have lost throughout evolution. For instance, horses have undergone the reduction of their digits – instead of five toes they only one now. Moreover, a protective covering of their feet in the form of hooves was developed, which allowed them to be faster and more stable. But generalization of primates it not the only feature that makes them distinct. Another is, for example, a generalized limb structure that let primates practice different forms of locomotion. Also, all primates have prehensile hands and sometimes even feet that allows them to grasp and manipulate different objects very skillfully.
As it has been mentioned already above, there are two major groups of primates – the promisians and anthropoids that are also distinct from each other. Anthropoids, that include apes, monkeys and human, are bigger that the promisians. Because of the larger body size they also have larger brain. Anthropoids also have better sight and the greater degree of color vision, which can be explained by the fact that they more rely on vision, while the most important sense of the promisians is the sense of smell.
It is interesting to note that approximately 85% of all primates are monkeys and they all are divided into around 195 species; however the exact amount is not known. According to a geographical area, all monkeys can be subdivided into two groups: New World and Old World. First of all, these two groups differ in terms of their habitat: old world monkeys can be found in Asia or Africa, while new world monkeys live primarily in Central and South America. Another significant difference between these monkeys is that old world monkeys are closer to humans because of a range of specific features and characteristics. Thus, their brain is much better developed that the brain of new world monkeys. Moreover, they have sensitive finger tips, continuous spermatogenesis and menstruation, and their facial muscles allow them to express their emotions better and to use various facial gestures. (Jurmain 122)
While talking about Monkeys, it is also necessary to point out about apes that also belong to anthropoids. Apes and Monkeys might look similar and they are confused quite often, however they have different features and characteristics. Most of distinctive features belong to their physical characteristics. Thus, usually apes are bigger than monkeys and they have broad chest. In contrast to monkeys, they are able to walk on two legs, which makes them quite similar to humans. It was also found by scientists that apes are smarter than monkeys: they are able to use tool, learn a language and even have a problem-solving capacity. (Jurmain 121)
However, in spite of many similarities between the apes and humans, people have some unique features that make them different from the apes. The main difference is that humans are bipedal and they are able to walk on their legs all the time, while the apes, even being able to stand on two legs, prefer to mover most of their time on the fours. Another distinct feature is the strength. Visually, musculature of the apes and human seems to be similar, however the apes are much stronger than humans. Also, humans have the theory of mind, which means that they can not only simply to conduct a conversation with another person, but they are also able to understand the feeling and emotions of another person, as well as to read their body language. Though the apes are able to communicate too, they lack the theory of mind and cannot understand the meaning of a conversation if there is no body language. (Jurmain 141)
Works Cited
Jurmain, Robert. Essentials of Physical Anthropology (9th ed.) Wadsworth: CENGAGE Learning, 2012. Print
