Exam 9: Origin of Primates

Describe the environmental changes that occurred during the Miocene epoch. Outline how these changes impacted primates.

Compared to its contemporary mammals, Purgatorius had __________.

Which of the following is typical of the Paleocene?

Gigantopithecus was the largest primate that ever lived.

Morotopithecus may be a better candidate than Proconsul as the ancestor of hominoids because __________.

The transition from brachiation to knucklewalking occurred because __________.

The earliest mammals most resembled living __________.

Lemurs live __________.

Compare dental apes to modern apes. What are the primary similarities and differences between them?

A gap between anterior teeth is called a __________.

In Old World monkeys, the cercopithecine and colobine split took place between __________ million years ago.

Where have Miocene apes NOT been found?

The __________ are best considered the most primitive known group of early modern primates.

By the mid-Miocene monkeys became more common than apes because __________.

Based on molecular clocks, Goodman's phylogeny places the last common ancestor of all primates at __________.

The fossil evidence and molecular evidence for the primate phylogeny does not match closely.

The Plio-Pleistocene radiation of Old World monkeys refers to __________.

What are some possible reasons for the origin and diversification of true anthropoids during the Oligocene? Include both fossil and climatic information in your answer.

According to DNA comparisons, Old World monkeys and apes shared an ancestor until about __________.

Although apes were initially more common than monkeys, they declined while monkey species expanded. Compare monkeys and apes and discuss what might have accounted for this change.