Problem 7 - Campbell Biology Concepts & Connections

Question

Which of these is not a member of the anthropoids? a. chimpanzee b. tarsier c. human d. New World monkey

Step-by-Step Solution

Answer

Tarsier (Option b)

Step 1: Understand Anthropoids

Anthropoids, also known as simians, are a subgroup of primates that includes monkeys, apes, and humans. Tarsiiformes (like tarsiers) are another subgroup within primates and are not considered anthropoids.

Step 2: Evaluate Each Option

Analyze whether each given option falls under the category of anthropoids or not:- Chimpanzee (Option a) is an ape, thus an anthropoid.- Tarsier (Option b) is a Tarsiiform, not an anthropoid.- Human (Option c) is an ape, thus an anthropoid.- New World monkey (Option d) is a type of monkey, thus an anthropoid.

Step 3: Identify the Non-Anthropoid

Based on the evaluation, identify the option that is not an anthropoid: The tarsier (Option b) as it belongs to Tarsiiformes.

Key Concepts

primates

Primates are a diverse order of mammals that includes over 300 species. They are characterized by flexible limbs, dexterous hands, and large brains relative to their body size.

Primates are divided into two main suborders:

• Strepsirrhini: This group includes lemurs, lorises, and galagos. They often have a more pronounced sense of smell and a moist nose, or 'rhinarium'.


• Haplorhini: This group includes tarsiers and the members of the anthropoid subgroups like monkeys, apes, and humans. They typically have a larger brain and more advanced visual senses.

Primates are renowned for their complex behaviors and social structures. They often live in groups and exhibit behaviors like grooming and social bonding. Additionally, many primates are arboreal, spending a great deal of their lives in trees.

apes

Apes are a group within the larger primate order, specifically falling under the category of anthropoids. They are particularly known for their lack of a tail and higher levels of intelligence compared to most other animals.

There are several types of apes:

• Lesser apes: Includes gibbons and siamangs, known for their incredible brachiation abilities, which means they swing from tree limb to tree limb using their arms.


• Greater apes: This group includes orangutans, gorillas, bonobos, and chimpanzees. Among them, chimpanzees and bonobos are our closest relatives, sharing around 98% of their DNA with humans.

Apes are highly intelligent and exhibit a range of complex behaviors, such as the use of tools, problem-solving, and a variety of social interactions. They live in a variety of habitats, from dense rainforests to mountainous regions.

monkeys

Monkeys are also members of the anthropoid subgroup and are split into two main categories: New World monkeys and Old World monkeys.

New World monkeys:

• Found primarily in Central and South America.
• Have prehensile tails that they can use to grasp and hold objects, which is especially useful for their arboreal lifestyle.

Old World monkeys:

• Found in Africa and Asia.
• Do not have prehensile tails, and their tails are not used for grasping.
• Often have larger body sizes and more ground-dwelling species compared to New World monkeys.

Monkeys are noted for their social structures, which can be very intricate. They live in groups that can range from a small family unit to large troops. Monkeys communicate through a mix of vocalizations, facial expressions, and body movements, allowing for rich social interactions and coordination within their groups.