Primates - Characteristics of Primates

What are Primates?

An animal is considered to be a primate if it belongs to an order called Primate. The term  "order" refers to one on the levels of classifying living organisms.

The classification of living organisms are basically put into 7 levels. The levels of classification are:

• Kingdom
• Phylum (for animals) or Division (for plants)
• Class
• Order
• Family
• Genus
• Specie

Please read more on Kingdom Protista and their Characteristics here.

Primates generally have 2 suborders. These are:

1. Prosimian: They include primates like lemur, tarsiers and lorises.

2. Anthropoids: These primates include monkeys, apes and man.

Primates are the 3rd most diverse order among mammals; after the orders: rodentia (comprising of rodents) and chiroptera (comprising of bats).

Please read more on the Introduction to Biology here.

Note: All primates do not exactly share the same characteristics and this has brought about some divisions among zoologist as to the proper classification of primates.

You can read on the Characteristics of Reptiles here.

Characteristics of Primates

1. They have their eyes in front on their head; (that is; forward facing eyes). They also possess binocular vision, stereoscopic vision and colour vision.

2. They have flexible shoulder and hip joint. This feature gives primate the ability to carry out climbing movements.
   Please read on the Functions of the Human Skeleton here.

3. They have prehensile hands and feet with opposable thumbs and toes. This feature is responsible for the gripping and manipulative actions in primates.
   You can read on the Basic Characteristics of Living organisms here.

4. They have 5 digits on their hands and feet. This is referred to as Pentadactyl.
   The image below shows the hands of various primates. (Monkeys are exceptions here).
   

5. They have four different sets of teeth. These are incissors, canine, molars and premolars. They also have a decreased number of teeth when compared to other mammals.

6. They observe a longer postnatal cycle. This means that they spend a longer time caring for their young.
   Please read on Amazing Facts in Biology here.

7. They have fingers and toes nails. (Unlike other animals with claws and hooves).

8. They possess two clavicles (or collar bones) which connects the upper limbs to the manubrium of the sternum.
   Please read on All Bones of the Human Skeleton here.

9. They have the ability to stand and walk on two legs. This is termed bipedalism.

10. They live longer (that is; have longer life spans when compared to other mammals in a different order). Chimpanzee for instance can live for up to 70 years while baboons can stay alive for up to 30 years (with proper medical care).

11. They exhibit an increased social behaviour and can gather in large groups.
    Please read on the Factors that Promote Cooperation here.

12. They have bigger brains with more folds. The more folds a brain has, the more intelligent the animal would be. In fact, the brains of humans are highly folded, giving rise to man's uniqueness.
    Please read more on the Uniqueness of Man here.

Below is an image of the human brain:

The possession of a highly developed brain is the major attribute of man's uniqueness. This has enable man to reason, solve problems and advance in technology.

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