Anthropoids
Definition
Anthropoids are a suborder of primates that includes monkeys, apes, and humans. They are characterized by larger brains, more advanced social structures, and greater reliance on vision rather than smell compared to other primates.
5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test
- Anthropoids are divided into two infraorders: Platyrrhines (New World monkeys) and Catarrhines (Old World monkeys and apes).
- They exhibit a higher degree of parental care compared to other primates, often having longer periods of juvenile dependency.
- Anthropoids have forward-facing eyes which provide them with better depth perception.
- They possess a larger brain-to-body size ratio relative to other primates.
- Anthropoid locomotion varies widely but includes brachiation in apes and quadrupedalism in many monkey species.
Review Questions
- What are the two infraorders within the suborder Anthropoidea?
- How do anthropoids primarily differ from other primates in terms of sensory reliance?
- What evolutionary advantage is provided by the forward-facing eyes of anthropoids?
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Related terms
Platyrrhines: New World monkeys that typically inhabit South America and have prehensile tails.
Catarrhines: Old World monkeys and apes found in Africa and Asia, characterized by downward-facing nostrils.
Brachiation: A form of arboreal locomotion using the arms to swing from branch to branch, commonly seen in gibbons.
