Primates are an order of mammals that includes lemurs, lorises, tarsiers, monkeys, apes and, of course, humans. They are characterised by relatively large and complex brains, grasping hands and forward-facing eyes that provide excellent stereoscopic vision. Most primates also have nails rather than claws and distinctive fingerprints. Many species live in complex social groups and show highly developed abilities in learning, communication and problem-solving. Primates occur naturally mainly in the tropical and subtropical regions of Africa, Asia and the Americas.
…that there is an enormous difference in size between the smallest and largest primates? The tiny Madame Berthe’s mouse lemur from Madagascar weighs only around 30 grams, while adult male gorillas can weigh more than 150 kilograms. This means that a gorilla can weigh over 5,000 times as much as the world’s smallest primate.
…that the characteristic hands of primates originally evolved as an adaptation to life in the trees? Flexible fingers, sensitive fingertips and mostly flat nails allow for a precise grip. Together with forward-facing eyes, these features helped their early ancestors move safely through the three-dimensional world of the forest canopy.
