Evolution of Primates

                 

1. List four of the characteristics you share with other primates 

Humans are primates from the Hominidae family which possess vast homogeneity with our common ancestor and other primates.  Below is the list of only four (4) similarities. 

1. Opposable thumbs:  Primates (hominids) thumbs can moved around and touch other fingers, they can grasp objects, and have independent mobility of digits. 

 

2. Brain Size:  Humans brain range between 900mL to 2000mL with an average size of         1350 mL, while the other primates size is typically 370mL.  The brain size while is not the only indicator, it provides a very accurate way of determine intelligence. The brain of the chimpanzees is less wrinkle than those of humans.  Humans have a larger frontal lobe and more connections between their parts which permits more logical and abstract though.    

 

3. Socialization: humans as well as other primates spend a large part of their time grooming, showing affection, and socializing.  Primates have strong relationships, they tickle, laugh, show anger, and love.  The social interactions among primates are very similar.  

 

4. Diet:  Primates are by nature omnivores (eat both animals and plants) there is an important distinction in the intestine size and humans tend to eat more meat than other primates because their need for the necessary vitamin B12.  Humans have plan meals such as lunch, breakfast, dinner, etc, while other primates eat at all hours of the day.  

 

2. List the differences between gracile and robust hominids. 

There are many very distinctive differences between gracile and robust hominids such as the shape of their brain, the molar size, their cranial capacity, and the shape of their entire body to name few.  There’s is also some dietary differences because gracile hominids eat a variety of vegetables while the robust hominid prefers though vegetables.  Gracile means slender which is the antonym of robust.  Gracile tend to have a steeper forehead while the robust has a flatter face. 

 

3. Give an explanation for these differences from the Section 4 online material. 

Per the class material to understand the difference ones must know what makes the differences which is in the size and heaviness of the maxilla and mandible.  There is a difference between the brain size and as the animal grow their teeth and jaws grow as well.  It is apparent that cranial characteristics are very different and the jaw and teeth’s size.  Gracile hominids where found before the robust hominid in both East and South Africa which may explain their differences in body size, jaws, teeth’s, and evolutionary development. 

 

Reference: 

Quednau, D., & The Field Museum. (n.d.). Early Primates: Evolution Eosimias: Darwinius 

    Masillae Origins of Mankind. Retrieved February 25, 2017, from http://www.age-of-the-    

     sage.org/evolution/early_primates_evolution.html 

Section 4 Class material 

Zcofran, /. (2015, October 25). Gracile & robust Australopithecus. Retrieved February 22, 2017,    

       from https://lawnchairanthropology.com/2015/10/25/gracile-robust-australopithecus/ 

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