http://www.eskeletons.org/comparative.html
http://www.azdrybones.com/primates.htm
http://www.skullsunlimited.com/old_world_primates.html
EXTANT PRIMATES There are more than 350 species of primates ( a lot of them are actually
endangered ) , varying in size from the pygmy mouse lemur (weighing about an ounce) to gorillas
(males can weigh up to 600 pounds). Most live in the tropics or subtropics, and most depend on
forests for their survival. Primates share characteristics—such as five-fingered hands with opposing
thumbs, forward-facing eyes, and color vision—but they do vary greatly, especially from prosimian to
monkey to ape.
Prosimians
Monkeys
Apes









includes about 50 species;
lemurs in Madagascar,
lorises in West Africa and
Southeast Asia and
bushbabies in Africa
smallest in size
arms shorter than legs
strong hind legs for
leaping and clinging to
tree trunks
most are nocturnal
tooth comb
some have visible tails
grooming claws
wet nose and dog-like
snout, developed sense of
smell







includes more than 200
species, New World in
South and Central
America, Old World in
Africa and Asia, and
tarsiers in Southeast Asia
smaller in size
arms equal in length to or
shorter than legs
limited shoulder rotation
diurnal (active during the
day)
chest deeper than broad
most have visible tails






includes about 14
species; gorillas,
bonobos, and
chimpanzees in
Africa, and
orangutans and
gibbons in Southeast
Asia
larger in size (except
for gibbons)
arms longer than legs
full shoulder rotation
diurnal
broad chest

light-reflecting eyes


75 / 77
OrangBorneoFemale.jpg
nails on all digits (except
Callitrichidae—marmosets
and tamarins)
dry nose, lack snout, weak
sense of smell (large teeth
may extend the snout)




no tails
nails on all digits
dry nose, lack snout,
weak sense of smell
lack of hair on face
76 / 77
Sumatran-OrangutanMale.jpg
Sumatran Orangutan (Pongo pygmaeus abelii). This species is more dependent on fruit than the Bornean type. It is truly
arboreal and moves through the trees by brachiation. Male skull.
Orangutan-Juv.jpg
Juvenile Orangutan (Pongo pygmaeus).
http://digimorph.org/listbysubgroup.phtml?grp=Primate&sort=SpeciesName
Gorilla gorilla • mandible
Mountain Gorilla
Gorilla gorilla • skull
Mountain Gorilla
GorillaMale.jpg
Gorilla (Gorilla gorilla). The gorilla, the largest of the living primates, is a ground-dwelling omnivore that
inhabits the forests of Africa. Male skull.
GorillaFemale.jpg
Gorilla (Gorilla gorilla).
Female Skull.
Male & female gorilla
Male and female gorilla
http://img.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2007/11_01/gorrillaDM0711_468x519.jpg
Close cousins of man, gorillas have a hunched, almost-human appearance when reduced to the bare
bones.
We share more than 95 per cent of our DNA with these magnificent apes
MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY, PARIS
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-492359/Close-bone-The-amazing-pictures-revealevolution-shaped-animal-skeletons.html
68 / 77
skeleton-gorilla.jpg
http://visual.merriam-webster.com/images/animal-kingdom/primate-mammals/gorilla/skeleton-gorilla.jpg
Lowland Gorilla Skull
The largest of all primates, it's hair is colored from black to grayish or reddish-brown that covers the
body except on face, soles of hands and feet, and upper chest; adult males or silverbacks acquire a
silver-gray color across the back and upper thighs at sexual maturity. Click on the picture for a larger
image.
http://www.talkorigins.org/faqs/homs/gorilla.html
Human/ Homo Sapiens sapiens
University of Texas Anthropology
Department Collection
http://www.eskeletons.org/taxon/human/boneviewer/skull/cranium.html#Inferior

MORPHOLOGY
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
Zygomatic
Vomer
Nasal
Frontal
Ethmoid
Anterior
Superior optical fissure
Maxilla
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
Zygomatic
Temporal
Sphenoid
Parietal
Palatine
Occipital
Maxilla
Inferior
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
Maxilla
Sphenoid
Occipital
Frontal
Nasal
Parietal
Zygomatic
Temporal
Lateral
o
o
o
o
Temporal
Parietal
Occipital
Posterior
o
o
o
o
o
o

ORIGINS
o
o
o
o
o

Anterior
Inferior
Lateral
Posterior
Superior
INSERTIONS
o
o
o
o
o

Temporal
Parietal
Nasal
Frontal
Superior
Maxilla
Anterior
Inferior
Lateral
Posterior
Superior
ARTICULATIONS
o
Inferior


MOVIE
PROVENIENCE
Human fetus.JPG
Fetal chimpansee
71 / 77
chimp bonobo.JPG
72 / 77
Chimpanzeefemale.jpg
73 / 77
Pigmy-ChimpanzeeMale.jpg
Bonobo (Pan paniscus). Bonobos are found only south of the Congo River and north of the Kasai River (a tributary of
the Congo), in the humid forests of the Congo of central Africa.
Male skull.
Skeleton.
Notre Dame University
http://ocw.nd.edu/anthropology/primate-behavior/Skeleton.jpg
chimpansee
44 / 77
baboon.jpg
Baboon (Old World Monkey) from the U of M Physical Anthropology Laboratory. Note the ground adapted
quadrupedalism, tail and prognathism.
http://www.geocities.com/athens/acropolis/5579/week3livingprimates.html
The Chacma baboon is found to be indigenous to the savanna woodlands and
mountains of South Africa. Males of this species have large canines that are used aggressively for
defense. Adult males can weigh up to 75 lbs (35Kg), however, females are much smaller. Chacma
baboons have a life span of about 18 years
49 / 77
Chacma baboon.JPG
51 / 77
HamadryasBaboon.jpg
Hamadryas Baboon (Papio hamadryas). The northernmost of all the baboons, its range extends from the Red Sea in
Egypt to Eritrea, Ethiopia and Somalia. It also lives on the Arabian peninsula, though it is uncertain if this population was
introduced by humans or not. The Hamadryas Baboon was a sacred animal to the ancient Egyptians as the attendant of
Thoth, and so is also called the Sacred Baboon. Male skull
52 / 77
HamadryasFemale.jpg
Hamadryas Baboon (Papio hamadryas).
Female skull
Papio ursinus
Chacma is a Hottentot name for the species.
TAXONOMY Order - Primates (lemurs,
monkeys & apes) Suborder - Anthropoidea
("man-like") Family - Cercopithecidae
(old-world monkeys)
Also featured on this site - Hamadryas Baboon
andMandrill
PAGE INDEX
1. Male, Lateral
view 2. Female,
Lateral view 3.
Male, Ventral
view 4. Male,
Anterior view
5. Details
Dental Formula : 2.1.2.3 / 2.1.2.3
1.Chacma
Baboon Skull,
male, lateral
view.
1.Chacma
Baboon Skull,
female, lateral
view.
1.Chacma
Baboon Skull,
male, ventral
view.
1.Chacma
Baboon Skull,
male, anterior
view.
The groove in
the
Chacma Baboon
Papio ursinus
Local and widespread: we had
parties in Cape of Good Hope
NP (where they are reintroduced); in rocky country
from Augrabies Falls NP to
Erongo Wilderness Lodge
(where they made quite a
racket); and then daily along
Okavango River (Mahango
Reserve [this shot, left] and in
Botswana)
http://creagrus.home.montereybay.com/swAfrica2005mammals.html
Chacma baboon.male , female , baby.JPG
Papio hamadryas
TAXONOMY
Order - Primates (lemurs, monkeys & apes)
Suborder - Anthropoidea ("man-like")
Family - Cercopithecidae (old-world monkeys)
Also featured on this site, Chacma Baboon and Mandrill.
Dental Formula : 2.1.2.3 / 2.1.2.3
1.Hamadryas
Baboon skull,
male, lateral
view.
This individual
was over 30yrs
old when it
died.
1.Hamadryas
Details
http://www.skullsite.co.uk/Hamad/hamad.htm
The gelada baboon is found only within the country of Ethiopia in Africa. This high
altitude primate is more terrestrial than most other monkeys. The gelada eats a variety of grasses,
roots and other plant parts. They will also occasionally eat invertebrates. Due to loss of habitat to
human farming, gelada populations are declining
Gelada.JPG
Gelada-Baboon.jpg
Gelada Baboon (Theriopithecus gelada). Found only in the Ethiopian Highlands of Ethiopia and
Eritrea, with large populations in the Semien Mountains. Restricted at present to Ethiopia and Eritrea,
the genus is also known from fossil specimens found in Africa and the Mediterranean into Asia,
including South Africa, Malawi, the Congo, Tanzania, Uganda, Kenya, Ethiopia, Algeria, Morocco,
Spain, and India.
Male skull.
Mandrillus sphinx
One of the strangest-looking of the old-world monkeys, with its bright colours and swollen
snout, which can be seen to be a skeletal feature.
Also featured on this site Hamadryas Baboon and Chacma Baboon.
TAXONOMY Order - Primates (lemurs, monkeys & apes) Suborder Anthropoidea ("man-like") Family - Cercopithecidae (old-world
monkeys)
Details
Dental Formula : 2.1.2.3 / 2.1.2.3
1.Mandrill
Skull, male,
lateral view.
1.Mandrill
Skull, male,
anterior view.
The groove in
the upper
canines is
typical of
baboons
http://www.skullsite.co.uk/Mandrill/mandrill.htm
Mandrill Baboon
Found in west central Africa in the countries of Congo, Gabon and the Cameroons, the Mandrill
Baboon is at home in the rainforests. Although they are true quadrupeds, their opposable thumb and
flexible clavicles allow them to be at home in the trees, where they often are found at night. Their
brilliantly colored face distinguishes them from other baboons and primates. Their large head and
prominent fangs (especially in males) make them formidable adversaries. They are omnivorous, eating
fruit, roots, insects and reptiles.
48 / 77
MandrilMale.
Mandrill (Mandrillus sphinx). The Mandrill is the world's largest species of monkey. The Mandrill is found in the tropical
rainforests of southern Cameroon, Gabon, Equatorial Guinea and Congo. One of our casts was used to guide veterinary
surgeons sucessfully operating on the skull of a captive animal in the Reid Park Zoo of Tucson, Arizona. Male skull.
bavianen schedels I.JPG
34 / 77
Sooty-MangabeyMale.jpg
Sooty Mangabey (Cercocebus atys). A White-eyelid Mangabey from Africa, found in Guinea Bissau, Gabon, and C�te
d'Ivoire. Male Skull.
Anthropoid Evolution
Many of the interesting traits and functions that we study in primates are housed in the skull: the brain, facial expression
vocalization, to name a few. Because of its importance to primates such as ourselves, evolution of skull form and functi
question of evolutionary anthropology. The fact that we share so many aspects of our development and our genetic ma
allows us to learn much about human evolutionary history by looking at non-human primates.
Anthropoids
Non-anthropoids
Figure 1. What is an anthropoid? Anthropoid primates in
and apes (including humans), and exclude prosimians a
to left): capuchin monkeys, a chimpanzee, and a macaq
and a lemur (a prosimian).
Baboons and other living monkeys, as well as apes and humans, are anthropoid (literally, “humanlike”) primates. In addition to being numerous and easily adaptable to captivity, baboons (and their
ancestors) are well-represented in the fossil record. All of these traits make them an excellent model
species for scientific research. Additionally, the baboons are part of a radiation of primates—the
papionins—that includes many other closely-related species that exhibit a range of skull shapes. For
this reason, the papionins are a useful group of primates with which to model the differences in skull
form that we find in the fossil record of hominids (humans and their closest ancestors). In this project
we take advantage of similarities between hominids and papionins to learn about how certain features
(like small teeth and a big brain) have been selected for during human evolution.
Figure 2. What is a papionin? The papionin monkeys include macaques, mangabeys, and several
baboon-like species. Left to right: arboreal mangabey, mandrill, gelada baboon, olive baboon.
http://www.hominid.psu.edu/AnthropoidEvolutionG.html
Anthropoid Evolution
One of the ultimate goals of evolutionary anthropology is to identify the genetic changes responsible for primate evolutio
the craniofacial complex. Knowledge of the genotype-phenotype relationship is critical to understanding human origins
level. Evidence points to large numbers of genes involved in craniofacial development, any of which may be involved in
variation within or between species.
Remarkably, years of research in experimental biology and genetics have demonstrated the consistently deep phylogen
developmental networks. New shapes do not need new genes, and shape can evolve quickly by tinkering with an existi
and formation of such traits almost certainly involves many genes organized into networks of interaction. Craniofacial va
variation in the parameters of these generative processes (e.g., signals, receptors, activators, inhibitors, second messe
factors, structural genes). Fortunately, like the genes themselves, these networks are highly conserved among mamma
Baboons are an excellent model species in which to investigate the role of potential candidate genes in producing crani
are plentiful and adaptable to captivity. As anthropoid primates (the broad group that includes monkeys and apes), babo
humans many aspects of their development and genetic makeup. Comparative genomic studies of humans, baboons, a
eventually allow us to design tests for specific hypotheses regarding the role of a particular gene in the evolution of a gi
defined clade. Baboons belong to a group of Old World Monkeys called the papionins which includes macaques, mang
relatives.
Figure 1. Molecular phylogeny of the extant papionins.
Papionin phylogeny: using baboons to model Hominid craniofacial evolution
The fossil record of Plio-Pleistocene papionins in Africa is excellent and crania are relatively common. Mitochondrial DN
two African papionin clades diverged about 6-8 Ma (million years ago), similar to times suggested by molecular clocks f
chimpanzees and humans. The Mandrillus and Cercocebusclade split from the Theropithecus, Lophocebus and Papio c
like” and a “mangabey-like” lineage in each (Figure 1). Thus, molecular and morphological evidence points to independ
like” genera. Species of Parapapio are morphologically close to the expected ancestral morphotype of both lineages an
are from about 6.5 Ma. The dominant east African genus at 6.5 Ma was Theropithecus (Figure 2), now restricted to T. g
radiation during the Plio-Pleistocene. The genus Papio replaced Parapapio and Theropithecus ecologically during the P
are adaptable omnivores. The mandrill/Cercocebus clade can be contrasted with the Papio/Lophocebus clade in both o
“baboons” have evolved independently. There are considerable cranial differences between Theropithecus and Papio th
as being similar to those seen between Homo and Australopithecus and these are of considerable interest. The papioni
an appropriate choice for modeling hominid craniofacial evolution.
Figure 2. Lateral view of a skull of the extinct baboon Theropithecus oswaldi.
Salient craniofacial features
It is now generally recognized that the large faced “baboons” and the mangabeys are polyphyletic. Morphologists have
support both a diphyletic origin of baboons (Papio) and mandrills (Mandrillus) and a concordant diphyletic origin of man
Lophocebus). Large faced “baboons” and hard object eating mangabeys have evolved twice from a primitive condition.
dimorphism has arisen convergently in the two main large faced African groups and similarities in cranial size and shap
Dimorphism has seemingly been reduced and increased in different hominid lineages, and several differences between
some of those seen between chimpanzees and Australopithecus and Homo (e.g. facial shortness, petrous orientation, h
mandibular rami, cranial base flexion, relative incisor and cheek tooth size) (Figure 3).
Figure 3. Comparison of skull form in the Pan-Homo clade (above) and in the papionins (below).
The papionin radiation, then, shows a suite of evolutionary changes that have also occurred or been reversed in homini
candidate genes for certain traits that have occurred independently in the living papionins, we will understand similar tra
Identifying the developmental gene networks responsible for these traits will allow us to establish the likely first appeara
fossil lineages. This will give time depth information to the molecular results,
and strengthen research in papionin paleontology.
http://www.flmnh.ufl.edu/sciencestories/2007/bloch_primate.htm
HYLOBATES
Hylobates sp
Gibbon skeleton
Hylobates sp
http://www.dundee.ac.uk/museum/zoology/skeletons.htm
gibbonbody.jpgGibbon skeleton (Hylobatidae) from the Old World. U of M Physical Anthropology Lab.
Gibbons have no tails, have a 2-1-2-3 Old World dental pattern.
http://www.geocities.com/athens/acropolis/5579/week3livingprimates.html
Gibbon
http://img.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2007/11_01/gibbonDM0711_228x643.jpg
GIBBON
The most evocative skeletons, of course, are those of the primates, from which humans evolved.
The long arms of the gibbon show that the creature is well adapted to life in the forests
MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY, PARIS
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-492359/Close-bone-The-amazing-pictures-revealevolution-shaped-animal-skeletons.html
62 / 77
gibbon.jpg
Gibbons brachiate and have permanently curved fingers.
http://www.geocities.com/athens/acropolis/5579/week3livingprimates.html
63 / 77
White-Handed-Gibbon.jpg
White-handed Gibbon (Hylobates lar). The range of the Lar Gibbon extends from southwest China and eastern Myanmar
to Thailand and down the whole Malay Peninsula. It is also present in the northwest portion of the island of Sumatra. Lar
Gibbons are diurnal and arboreal, inhabiting rain forests. Their diet consists primarily of fruits, although they also eat
leaves, buds, and insects.
64 / 77
Siamang-Gibbon.jpg
Siamang Gibbon (Symphalangus syndactylus). Native to the forests of Malaysia, Thailand, and Sumatra, this is the
largest of the lesser apes. Two fingers on each hand are fused together, hence the name "syndactylus". Male skull.
Quadruped primates
http://scienceblogs.com/afarensis/2007/10/know_your_primate_quadrupeds.php
Cebus apella • skull (adult, male)
Tufted Capuchin
Cebus apella • skull (juvenile, female)
Tufted Capuchin
Cebus apella • skull (juvenile, female)
Tufted Capuchin
Cebus apella • skull (juvenile, female)
Tufted Capuchin
Cebus apella • skull (juvenile, female)
Tufted Capuchin
Brown Capuchin Monkey //Cebus apella,
31 / 77
Brown Capuchin Monkey
32 / 77
Weeping-Capuchin.jpg
Weeping Capuchin Monkey (Cebus olivaceous). Found in Brazil, Guyana, French Guiana, Suriname and Venezuela.
Their name comes from their coloration, which resembles the cowls worn by the Capuchin order of Roman Catholic
friars.
Cacajao calvus • skull (adult, male)
Bald Uakari
Cacajao calvus • skull (adult, male)
Bald Uakari
Cacajao calvus • skull (juvenile, male)
Bald Uakari
Cacajao melanocephalus • skull (juvenile, female)
Black Headed Uakari
Cacajao melanocephalus • skull (juvenile, female)
Black Headed Uakari
33 / 77
Red-Faced-Uakari.jpg
Red Uakari Monkey (Cacajao calvus). Also called the Bald Uakari, this is a distinctive red-faced monkey found in
swampy forests in Brazil, Peru, and Colombia. The species is considered "near threatened". Female skull.
Alouatta seniculus • skull (juvenile, female)
Red Howler Monkey
Alouatta seniculus • skull (juvenile, male)
Red Howler Monkey
Alouatta seniculus • skull (juvenile, male)
Red Howler Monkey
Alouatta seniculus • skull (juvenile, male)
Red Howler Monkey
Alouatta seniculus • skull (juvenile, male)
Red Howler Monkey
Aotus trivirgatus • skull (juvenile, female)
Owl Monkey
Aotus trivirgatus • skull (juvenile, female)
Owl Monkey
Aotus trivirgatus • skull (juvenile, female)
Owl Monkey
Aotus trivirgatus • skull (juvenile, female)
Owl Monkey
Aotus trivirgatus • skull (juvenile, male)
Owl Monkey
Leontopithecus rosalia • skull (adult, male)
Golden Lion Tamarin
Leontopithecus rosalia • skull (juvenile, female)
Golden Lion Tamarin
Leontopithecus rosalia • skull (juvenile, female)
Golden Lion Tamarin
Leontopithecus rosalia • skull (juvenile, female)
Golden Lion Tamarin
Leontopithecus rosalia • skull (juvenile, male)
Golden Lion Tamarin
Lagothrix lagotricha • skull (juvenile)
Wooly Monkey
Lagothrix lagotricha • skull (juvenile, female)
Wooly Monkey
Lagothrix lagotricha • skull (juvenile, male)
Wooly Monkey
Lagothrix lagotricha • skull (juvenile, male)
Wooly Monkey
Lagothrix lagotricha • skull (juvenile, male)
Wooly Monkey
The Mona Monkey is native to the primary and secondary forests of West Africa. They
live a diurnal, arboreal life feeding on fruit, leaves and insects
Click any Image for Larger View
Male
Female
36 / 77
Monkey-Mona.jpg
Mona Monkey (Cercopithecus mona). The Mona Monkey is an Old World monkey that lives throughout Western Africa.
This guenon lives in groups of up to 35 in arboreal regions. It mainly feeds on fruit but sometimes eats insects and
leaves, and carries food in cheek pouches. Male skull.
patas monkey
The
, also called the red guenon, is found in a large area of central and
western Africa. This medium sized primate is primarily ground dwelling, but may take to trees to forage
or escape danger. Patas monkeys are omnivorous, feeding on a variety of leaves, grasses, berries,
insects and small vertebrates. This species displays strong sexual dimorphism with the males nearly
doubling the females in size.
Patas Monkey Skull High Resolution
Patas-Monkey.jpg
Patas Monkey (Erythrocebus patas). The Patas Monkey is a ground-dwelling species distributed over
West Africa, living in treeless savanna and semi-deserts. They feed on insects, seeds and tubers.
MARMOSET
Callithrix jacchus
PAGE INDEX
1. Marmoset
skull,
lateral view
2. Marmoset
skull,
anterior view
3. Details
4. Web Links
There are about 35 species of marmoset, many of
which are colourful and have elaborate 'hair
styles'. They are all found in S. America.
Dental Formula : 2.1.2.3 / 2.1.2.3
TAXONOMY
Order - Primates
('first' group)
Suborder Anthropoidea
('man like')
Family Callithricidae
('beautiful
hair')
1.Marmoset
skull, lateral
view.
2.Marmoset
skull, anterior
view.
Details of Specimens Illustrated
Image 1 & 2
Marmoset Callithrix jacchus
Stage - adult
Died in captivity
Acknowledgement - Courtesy of J. Williams Collection
Measurements
Overall length
Web Links
UMICH Animal Diversity Web
common marmoset.JPG
45.2mm
Overall width
28.2mm
Callithrix jacchus,
http://www.skullsunlimited.com/primate-skeletons-for-sale.html
Pygmee marmoset
Cebuella pygmaea
Marmosets, like tamarins, are small new world primates that inhabit the rainforests of central and
South America. Most marmosets are diurnal, arboreal, omnivores, eating a variety or fruits, leaves and
insects. The pygmy marmoset is native to parts of Columbia, Ecuador, Peru and Brazil
27 / 77
Mexican-Howler-Monkey.jpg
Central American Black Howler Monkey (Alouatta pigra) Found in Belize, Guatemala and Mexico, they are known for
their loud vocalizations.
28 / 77 Spider-Monkey.jpg
red-faced Spider Monkey (Ateles paniscus). The Red-faced Spider Monkey, is found from Brazil to Guyana and French
Guiana. It lives in groups of about 20 individuals, splitting into small units of 1 to 5 when foraging. Male skull.
Brown Woolly Monkey (Lagothrix lagotricha). Also called the Common Woolly Monkey, it is found in
Colombia, Ecuador, Peru and Brazil. It lives in groups of 2 to 70 individuals, usually splitting the group
into smaller subgroups while in activity.
The VERVET MONKEY , also called the green, the grivet and the Tantalus monkey, is native to Africa
and is the most common of the savanna monkeys. The vervet monkey's physical description can be
summed up as a medium sized primate approximately 40 to 60 cm (15.7" to 23.6") in length with a tale
measuring 30 to 50 cm (11.8" to 19.6"). This species can weigh between 3 and 5 kg (6.6 to 11 lbs).
The vervet?s coat is silky and color varies from silver to yellow to reddish to green depending on
geographic location. Vervets are characterized by their black face and white brow. This species is
sexually dimorphic with males being nearly .5% larger than females. Vervets possess elongated
whiskers that are usually white or pale yellow in color and can differ in length between individuals. On
of the defining characteristic of this species, and the source of its name, is the greenish color of the
upper parts of the face. This coloration is an illusion caused by individual hairs with black and yellow
strands. Male vervets can be clearly identified by their blue scrotum.
Chlorocebus (formerly known as Cercopithecus) aethiops, has a large geographic range and can be found
throughout central Africa and southward over much of the continent. Vervets are both terrestrial and ground
dwelling. Their habitat consists of savanna grassland as well as scrub forest. However, and unlike many other
African primate species, vervets are very adept at traveling on the ground and tend to inhabit open grassland
areas more than forests.Vervets tend to dwell close to a lakes or rivers due to their need for daily water. This
species is typically diurnal, being active and feeding mostly during the day. Vervets sleep in trees at night.
Vervets, like many primate species, are social animals. They travel in small groups, called troops that may
number only a few to as many 140 individuals. Although aggression within a troop is rare, vervets are highly
territorial and often clash with surrounding troops. Unlike many other monkey species, vervets tend to have mutimale groups, with a hierarchy of the strongest males at the top. Like many primates, the vervet possess a wide
range of facial gestures for communication as well as vocal calls. Males will compete for mates with a complete
system of display that includes baring teeth, jaw movements and aggression. Vervets are polygamous with
females typically having only a few mates in their lifetime and males possessing numerous breeding partners.
Grooming is a common social behavior in this species and can be used in courtship. During the breeding season,
which can be year round, the female's gentalia will swell, alerting the males when they are in heat. Dominant
males will often perform a "red, white and blue" genital display to attract females; the colors referring to the males,
penis, belly hair and scrotum.
Gestation for this species runs approximately 175 to 200 days. Vervets are small at birth weighing only 300 to
400g (10.5 to 14 ounces). Females generally are responsible for raising the young and will often share maternal
duties with other females within their social groups. The young will cling to its mother belly for roughly three
weeks. Vervets reach sexual maturity at 2.5 years and live 10 to 15 years in the wild and up to 25 years in
captivity.
The vervet monkey is an omnivore with a diet that includes insects, plants, and vertebrates. However, this species
primarily eats fruits. As a frugivore, this species plays an important role in the ecosystem as a seed disperser.
Vervet monkeys serve as prey for leopards, snakes, raptors, baboons and humans.
The vervet monkey delineated from the human evolutionary lineage over 50 million years ago. However, due to
their generally close biological design, this species is often used by humans as a research subject in medical and
commercial studies. Vervets are considered a pest by many human inhabitants within their range. This species, in
addition to possessing little fear of humans, can climb and jump well making it a major nuisance to human crops,
gardens and plantations. Due to over hunting and habitat destruction, the international organization CITES, the
Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora, has classified the vervet
monkey as Appendix 2. Appendix 2 applies to species that are not necessarily threatened with extinction, but may
become so if not regulated. This species has been thought to have been the original host for the HIV AIDS virus.
It is thought that humans first contracted a mutated form of the virus from eating undercooked or raw vervet
monkeys during religious practices.
Vervet-Green-Monkey.jpg
Green Vervet Monkey (Chlorocebus pygerythrus). The Vervet Monkey inhabits savanna and
mountains up to 4000 m. The Vervet Monkey is mainly frugivorous, but it also supplements its diet with
a variety of other foods, including leaves, seeds, insects and small rodents. It sometimes lives in
groups of 20 or more, however troops are often smaller. Male skull.
Makaak
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makaak2-586x329.jpg
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Macaca fascicularis.JPG
Macaca fascicularis
The crab-eating monkey is native to southeast Asia as well as Indonesia and the Philippine islands. As
in most old-world primates, the crab-eating monkey has the same tooth count as humans. This
species is omnivorous, eating a variety of plant parts and, as its name suggests, crustaceans and
other small invertebrates. This monkey is commonly eaten by humans
http://www.skullsunlimited.com/Crab-eating_Monkey.html
Macaca mulatta
The rhesus monkey is native to much of China as well as Afghanistan, India and Nepal. The rhesus is
omnivorous and diurnal and lives freely in the forest as well as within human cities. Rhesus are a troop
dwelling species with groups ranging from 5 too 100 individuals. Within its range, the rhesus monkey
occupies a variety of climate types ranging from desert to snow capped mountains.
Family: Cercopithecidae
Click any Image for Larger View WSM-290 Natural Bone Avr. length: 10cm / 3.9"WBC-137
Macaca mulatta
Macaca mulatta, female
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Celebes-Crested-Macaque.jpg
Celebes Crested Macaque (Macaca nigra). A diurnal rain forest dweller, this macaque is primarily terrestrial, spending
more than 60% of its day on the ground foraging for food and socializing, but sleeping and searching for food in the
trees. It lives in groups of 5 to 25 animals.
COLOBUS
ColubusBlackAndWhite.jpg
King Colubus, or Western Black-and-White Colobus Monkey (Colobus polykomos). Found in lowland
and mountain rain forests in a region stretching between Gambia and C�te d'Ivoire within Africa. It
eats mainly leaves, but also fruits and flowers. Though it is arboreal, it eats primarily on the ground. It
lives in small groups consisting of 3 to 4 females and 1 to 3 males, plus their young.
Male skull.
Colobus monkeys are native to central Africa. This species gets its name, due to their reduced thumb
size, from the Greek word colobus, meaning mutilated. However, this "mutilation" allows the colobus to
move more freely through the tree-tops than other African monkeys. Colobus are unique in that their
digestive system allows them to eat certain leaves and unripe fruit containing toxins that most other
monkeys avoid
LANGOER
Hanuman langur
The Hanuman langur, also called the temple monkey, is found in Bangladesh, India and Sri Lanka.
Feeding in troops that contain both males and females of various ages, the Hanuman langur dines
primarily on leaves and other plant parts. This diurnal species sleeps in shady groves during the hot
midday hours. This langur is considered sacred in parts of its range
Douc-Langur.jpg
Red-shanked Douc Langur (Pygothrix nemaeus). The douc is an arboreal and diurnal monkey, eating
and sleeping in the trees of the forest, and is probably the most colourful of all mammals. The Redshanked Douc is thought to be found only in north and central Vietnam and Laos. Doucs are found in
a variety of habitats: from lowland to mountainous terrain up to 2,000 m (6,600 feet), in deciduous,
primary rainforest and secondary rainforests, in the mid to upper levels of the canopy.
The Douc Langur is native to the rainforests of Viet Nam, Laos and Cambodia in Southeast Asia. Their
Diet consists of leaves, fruit, and flowers. This brilliantly colored species is arboreal, living in the
highest canopy of the forest. Due to excessive loss of habitat, over hunting, collection for the pet trade
and environmental disruption attributed to the Viet Nam War, this species is now listed as endangered
Purple-Faced-Langur.jpg
Purple-faced Langur (Trachypithecus vetulus). Native to Sri Lanka. This is a long-tailed arboreal
species, mainly brown with a dark facemask and paler lower face. The loud barking call, particularly of
the highland form, can be mistaken for the roar of a predator such as a Leopard. This was once a
common species, which was found even in suburban Colombo and in the wet zone villages, but rapid
urbanization has taken a toll on the numbers of these monkeys.
The Purple-faced Langur is native to the primary and secondary forests of Sri Lanka. They live a
diurnal, arboreal life feeding on fruit, leaves, seeds, flowers and insects.
The Brown lemur is a diurnal, arboreal species, spending most of its time in the upper
canopy layers and rarely descending. The diet of the Brown lemur consists mostly of fruits, flowers,
and leaves. This and four other species were recently split from the genus Lemur to create the genus
Eulemur.
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Brown-Lemur.jpg
Common Brown Lemur (Eulemur fulvus). True lemurs are from 30 to 50 cm in length, with a tail that is as long or
significantly longer than the body. They weigh from two to four kg.
Brown Lemur Skull High Resolution
Eulemur fulvus • skull
Common Brown Lemur
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Variegata rubra red ruffed lemur.JPG
http://www.eskeletons.org/taxon/ruffed_lemur/boneviewer/skull/cranium.html
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LemurRedRuffed.jpg
Red-ruffed Lemur (Varecia variagata). This lemur occurs only in the rainforests of Masoala, in the northeast of
Madagascar. Females are slightly larger than males.
The Ruffed Lemur is the larges species of lemur. Like most lemurs, it is crepuscular, being most active in the morning
and evening.
The Ruffed Lemur lives an arboreal life eating mostly fruits and occasional insects.
mouse lemur.JPG
Mouse lemurs, from Madagascar, are the smallest primates in the world. The gray mouse lemur
Microcebus murinus, has a body length less than 5 inches long. Mouse lemurs are found throughout
the dry deciduous forests and spiny deserts of south and west Madagascar.
The ring-tailed lemur is native only to southern Madagascar. This diurnal species eats
mostly fruits, leaves and occasionally insects. The ring-tailed lemur lives in groups numbering from 5
to 25 individuals with little or no established hierarchy. In recent years, ring-tailed lemur populations
have declined due to loss of habitat
LemurRingtailed.jpg
Ring-tailed Lemur (Lemur catta). The Ring-tailed Lemur is a prosimian which eats mostly fruit, but will
also eat leaves. It is found in the southwest of Madagascar and ranges further into highland areas
than any other lemur.
Lemur Cata
Galago bushbabies
The three species of
are native to parts of Africa. Bushbabies feed
on fruits, insects and small vertebrates. The bushbaby is a nocturnal primate. Their large eyes allow
for more light absorbing rods, and thus, better night vision. Like an owl, the bush babies eyes are fixed
in their sockets. To compensate for this, the bushbaby can rotate its head nearly 180 degrees.
Bush-Baby.jpg
Bush Baby (Galago senegalensis). Bush Babies have large eyes, giving them good night vision,
strong hind limbs, and long tails, which help them balance. Their diet is a mixture of insects and other
small animals, fruit, and tree gums
TamarinGolden.jpg
Golden-headed (Lion) Tamarin (Leontopithecus chrysomelas). The Golden-headed Tamarin is
endemic to Brazil. It is found only in the lowland and premontane tropical forest fragments in the state
of Bahia, and is considered to be an endangered species.
The Golden-headed lion tamarin, named for its orange mane-like head pelage, is native to the
rainforests of Brazil, South America. This small arboreal primate lives high in the canopy where it
feeds on various insects and fruits. Wild populations of this species have drastically declined due to
deforestation. It is estimated that as few as 200 individuals remain
Cotton-topped Tamarin (Saguinius oedipus). Known as the Pinch� Tamarin, this Tamarin weighs less
than 1lb (0.5 kg). It is found in tropical forest edges and secondary forests where it is arboreal and
diurnal. The Cottontop Tamarin eats fruit, insects, new leaves or buds, small lizards and nectar. It is
called "Liszt Monkey" in German due to its supposed resemblance to the composer Franz Liszt.
Slow-LorisMale.jpg
Sunda Slow Loris (Nycticebus cougang). This slow moving strepsirrhine primate has large eyes that
point forward, and ears that are small and nearly hidden in the fur. Its tail is a mere stump. The Sunda
Loris is a diurnal and arboreal animal that prefers the tops of the trees. Also, they have slow,
deliberate movements and a powerful grasp that makes them very difficult to remove from branches.
Slender lori
The slender loris is a small, nocturnal primate native to the tropical rainforests of Southern India and
Sri Lanka. This species is arboreal, spending most of its life in trees. The slender loris is primarily
insectivorous, but will also eat slugs, leaves, flowers, eggs and nestlings. Due to habitat destruction
and supposed traditional medicinal use, slender loris populations have greatly declined
Perodicticus potto /Family: Lorisidae
This species is native to the
tropical forests of central and western Africa. The potto is a small prosimian that feeds on fruit and
insects, which they locate by smell. They are primarily solitary and nocturnal sleeping in leaf nest
during the day.
http://www.loris-conservation.org/database/captive_care/manual/html/Taxonomy.html
http://animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu/site/accounts/pictures/Perodicticus_potto.html
Male
http://svpow.wordpress.com/2009/10/08/small-african-primate-possibly-sheds-light-on-soft-tissuemorphology-of-cretaceous-diplodocoid/
http://macro.dokkyomed.ac.jp/mammal/en/species_all/perodicticus_potto.html
Potto skeleton
Perodicticus potto http://www.dundee.ac.uk/museum/zoology/skeletons.htm
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Potto-skullFemale.jpg
Potto (Periodictis potto). Pottos inhabit the canopy of rain forests in tropical Africa, from Guinea to Kenya and Uganda
into the north of the Congo. They are nocturnal and arboreal, sleeping during the day in the leaves and almost never
going on land. If threatened, a Potto will hide its face and neck-butt its opponent, making use of its unusual vertebrae.
Female skull.
http://www.skullsunlimited.com/userfiles/image/variants_3972.jpg
INDRI
The indri is a diurnal tree-dwelling species native to Madagascar. The indri is one of the largest living
lemurs today, reaching weights of up to 30 pounds and lengths of 4 feet with their legs fully extended.
The diet of the indri consists mostly of fruits, flowers, and leaves
AYE AYE
Aye Aye.JPG
The aye-aye is a strange looking prosimian native to the rainforests of Madagascar. This nocturnal,
arboreal species is omnivorous, feeding on a variety of fruits, seeds and insects. Aye-ayes possess
rodent-like incisors used to gnaw tree bark when searching for beetle larvae. Due to habitat loss in
recent years, aye-aye populations have declined drastically. It is estimated that as few as 1000 survive
in the wild
Aye Aye skeleton
Daubentonia madagascariensis
http://www.dundee.ac.uk/museum/zoology/skeletons.htm
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Tarsier_Skeleton.jpg
http://scienceblogs.com/afarensis/2006/09/29/friday_know_your_primate_tarsi/
Tarsius syrichta
This tiny primate is native to areas of Indonesia and the Philippines. Tarsiers are nocturnal as
evidenced by their large eye sockets. The tarsiers eyesight is vital for its arboreal lifestyle and in
catching prey. Tarsiers feeds on small invertebrates and occasional lizards and frogs