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APES - MONKEYS

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APES - MONKEYS

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Some interesting facts about monkeys

Primates
Monkeys belong to the primates or supreme animals (Primates), which include all species of prosimians and apes (including the only human species remaining in evolution, Homo sapiens). The scientific name “Primates” means “firsts". About four hundred primate species live around the world.

Man's DNA is 99 percent similar to that of the chimpanzee, but we are not descended from any species of ape still roaming the earth today. However, we do share a common ancestor. Therefore, we should not think of the great apes as our ancestors, but as cousins.

Several languages distinguish between great apes and other apes (for example, English: apes, which stands for great apes and monkey for other apes. Dutch does not make this distinction and the word ape is also used to refer to great apes. Monkeys are divided into “parvordes”: the broad-nosed monkeys (Platyrrhini) from Central and South America (broad-nosed monkeys are anatomically different from Old World monkeys) and the narrow-nosed monkeys (Catarrhini) from Africa and Asia. These parvordes are sometimes considered separate infraordes. With the exception of humans, which inhabit every continent, most primates live in the tropical or subtropical regions of North, Central and South America, Africa and Asia. In size, primates range from the dwarf lemur Microcebus berthae, which weighs only 50 grams, to the mountain gorilla (Gorilla beringei), which weighs 200 kg. Gigantopithecus, from the Pleistocene, could reach 300 kilograms.

Evolution
Based on fossil evidence, it has been determined that primate's primitive ancestors may have existed as early as the Late Cretaceous, about 65 million years ago. The oldest known primate, Plesiadapis, dates to the Late Paleocene, 55 to 58 million years ago. Based on molecular clock studies, it is suggested that the primate branch may be even older and may date to the Middle Cretaceous around 85 million years ago.

During evolution, primates highly adapted to survive in their challenging environments. Important features include the large brain, good eyesight, color vision and the mobile shoulder girdle (the group of bones connecting the upper limbs to the rest of the skeleton). Most species have an opposable thumb and idem big toe that enable them to grasp and use objects. Some have a prehensile tail. Primates have developed complex movement techniques; they are able to jump from tree to tree, walk on two or four limbs, and swing from tree branches. All primates are characterized by increasing use of stereoscopic vision at the expense of smell, the dominant sensory system of most mammals. These traits are more developed in monkeys and prosimians, but less so in loris and lemurs.

Grouping
Great apes: a superfamily within the apes characterized by high intelligence and the lack of a tail. This includes the gibbons, orangutans, gorillas, bonobos, chimpanzees and also humans (humans are additionally characterized by the use of language and a highly developed ability to manipulate the environment. Also, humans have a pelvic structure adapted to an upright posture).

Monkeys: monkeys are diurnal animals and generally have flatter, more expressive faces and better developed brains than prosimians. Like prosimians, they walk on four feet.

Prosimians: prosimians are small tree dwellers that are mostly active at night. The most primitive species closely resemble insectivores. Prosimians are a relatively primitive, non-specialized group of mammals, whose primates branched out at an early stage of mammalian evolution.

Interesting links: 

> Primates-the Prosimians and Monkeys

> What is the Difference Between Apes and Monkeys?

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