Primatology - introduction

Locomotion - clavicle and opposable thumbs
Precision grip - fingernails
Senses - binocular vision, colour vision, stereotypic vision (3D as a result of forward facing eyes)
Generalised dentition depending on diet
Slow reproductive rates than what is expected for body size
Big brain in proportion to their body size

Prosimians

Prosimians
Tarsiers
New World monkeys
Old World monkeys
Apes

Larger brains
No tails

Study of the biology, behaviour, ecology and evolution of primates

Field
Captivity

Understand human evolution - primates are our closely living relatives
Understand group living (up to 200!)
Understand cooperation (coalitions/collective action) and competition (inter/intra groups)
Understanding communication and cognition - evolution of language
Conservation of primates and their ecosystems

Habitat loss - deforestation
Poaching
Pet trade
Climate change
Overpopulation
Most primatologists are from Western countries and are run by Western ppl - need to increase non-Western perspectives (nned to decolonise primatology)