Lesson 4.4 Flashcards
Features of Primates
Body Limbs Hands and feet Eyes Sense of smell Teeth Brain Reproduction
What is characterstic about primates bodies
Not specialised for a particular environment
What is characteristic of Primates limbs
Unspecialised
What is special about primates hands and feet
Have a pentadactyl limb
Have nails not claws
Grasping fingers and toes with friction ridges
Opposable first digit
Special about primates eyes
Forward facing
Stereoscopic vision for depth perception
Most can distinguish colour
Primates sense of smell
Very poor
Primates teeth
Have four incisors in upper and lower jaw
Many types for omnivorous diet
Characterstic of a primates brain
Large and complex
Increasing cerebrum size
Primate reproduction
Have no specific breeding season
Rhythmical sexual cycle
Usually only one offspring at a time
Long period of parental care for offspring
Things that change over the evolution of primates
Digits Dentition Smell Vision Brain Gestation Development
Evolution of primate digits
Increased ability to move fingers independently
Increased length and opposability
Primitive primates have some claws
Evolution of primate sense of smell
Reduces
Also snout length decreases
Evolution of primate vision
Eyes become more efficient and forward facing for stereoscopic vision
Eye socket increases to protect eyes
A greater proportion of brain dedicated to vision
Evolution of primates brain
Increased brain size compared to body
Increased number of convolutions
Larger cerebrum
Evolution of primate gestation
Increased time between fertilisation amd birth
