In examining a number of mammal skeletons—for example, bear, lion, opossum, wolf, raccoon, pig, and elephant, in addition to several primate species—what characteristics would you use to decide whether a skeleton is a primate? Circle the characteristics in the following list that you would use to make your determination.
fur forward-facing eyes relatively large brain opposable thumbs mammary glands relatively small olfactory bulbs
6 For the characteristics you did not circle, why didn't you think they would be useful to differentiate primates from nonprimates?
7 Fill out this table using skulls in your lab's collection (or substitute Fig. 9.3).
Characteristic | Dog | Monkey or Ape
Does it have a postorbital bar? | |
Is cranium size (brain size) larger or smaller compared to size of face? | |
Greater or less emphasis on olfaction, based on snout length? | |
Do orbits face directly forward or somewhat laterally? | |