Chapter 3: Living Primates

Question 0

ecological niche

Answer 0

A species` way of life considered in the full context of its environment including factors such as diet, activity, terrain, vegetation, predators, prey and climate.

Question 1

adaptive radiation

Answer 1

The rapid diversification of an evolving population as it adapts to a variety of available niches.

Question 2

dental formula

Answer 2

The number of each tooth type (incisors, canines, premolars and molars) on one half of each jaw. Unlike other mammals, primates possess equal numbers on their upper and lower jaws so the dental formula for the species is a single series of numbers: 2-1-2-3.

Question 3

sexual dimorphism

Answer 3

Within a single species, differences between males and females in the shape or size of a feature not directly related to reproduction, such as body size or canine tooth shape and size.

Question 4

stereoscopic vision

Answer 4

Complete three-dimensional vision, or depth perception, from binocular vision and nerve connections that run from each eye to both sides of the brain, allowing nerve cells to integrate the images derived from each eye.

Question 5

brachiation

Answer 5

Moving from branch to branch using the arms, with the body hanging suspended below.

Question 6

prehensile

Answer 6

Having the ability to grasp.

Question 7

opposable

Answer 7

Having the ability to bring the thumb or big toe in contact with the tips of the other digits on the same hand or foot in order to grasp objects.