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What are the Different Types of Primates?

Michael Anissimov
Michael Anissimov
Michael Anissimov
Michael Anissimov

Primates make up a biological order, a tier of taxonomic classification significantly above species but below class and phylum. Primates are also a clade, meaning they descend from a common ancestor, which is thought to have lived more than 65 million years ago, when dinosaurs still roamed the earth. They are classified into three main groups: New World monkeys, small primates that live in the Americas; Old World monkeys and apes, which live exclusively in Africa, except for humans which live most everywhere, and orangutans which live in Indonesia and Malaysia; and prosimians, the most primitive primates. The most well-known prosimian is the lemur, which lives on Madagascar, though other prosimians can be found in small quantities in Southeast Asia.

Primates used to be divided into simians and prosimians. Simians are the larger, more human like primates such as apes and monkeys, while prosimians are smaller and more closely resemble rodents. Later it was found that the family Tarsiidae (tarsiers), previously labeled prosimians, was genetically closer to the simians, and therefore got lumped into the same suborder with them. So, the order Primates consists of two suborders - suborder Strepsirrhini, the non-tarsier prosimians, and suborder Haplorrhini, the tarsiers, monkeys, and apes.

Neanderthals are extinct members of the genus Homo.
Neanderthals are extinct members of the genus Homo.

The suborder Haplorrhini is further divided into two infraorders - Tarsiiformes (tarsiers) and Simiiformes (Old and New World monkeys). Simiiformes is broken down into two parvorders - Platyrrhini (New World monkeys) and Catarrhini (Old World monkeys). Platyrrhini contains over 125 unique species, including howler, spider and wolly monkeys, night and owl monkeys, tamarins, and many more. Catarrhini is divided into two superfamilies, Cercopithecoidea (Old World monkeys, about 135 species) and Hominoidea (gibbons and humans, about 20 species). There are over 378 primate species currently recognized, with a few new species being discovered per year.

Lemurs belong to the primate group known as prosimians.
Lemurs belong to the primate group known as prosimians.

Because it was only relatively recently that it was realized that tarsiers are more closely related to the simians, the older classification, which divides Primates into the suborders Prosimii and Anthropoidea, can still be found in many textbooks and web sites on the Internet. There is still disagreement among primatologists as to what the true classification should be, but the Strepsirrhini/Haplorrhini division is the direction in which acceptance is moving.

Monkeys are primates.
Monkeys are primates.

The Old World monkeys and New World monkeys parted ways about 45 million years ago. The New World monkeys crossed the Bering land bridge during an ancient Ice Age, bringing the Primates to two entirely new continents. During this time, prosimians could also be found over a much wider geographic region than they can be found today, and included large portions of Europe and Asia. Competition with simians forced many prosimian species into obscurity or extinction.

Orangutans are primates that live in Malaysia and Indonesia.
Orangutans are primates that live in Malaysia and Indonesia.

About 25 million years ago, the Old World monkeys (Cercopithecidae) diverged from the apes and gibbons (Hominoidea). The gibbons ("lesser apes") separated from the apes and humans ("great apes") about 18 million years ago. The great apes consist of gorillas, chimpanzees, orangutans, and humans, the species that are the most obviously human like. Because of their significant intelligence, there are groups in many countries that say all great apes should be regarded as persons, with certain basic rights like freedom from being experimented on. The most famous of all primate species, of course, is the familiar Homo sapiens sapiens.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main groups of primates?

Chimps are very intelligent primates.
Chimps are very intelligent primates.

Primates are broadly classified into three main groups: prosimians, monkeys, and apes. Prosimians, such as lemurs and tarsiers, are considered the most primitive, often nocturnal and with a keen sense of smell. Monkeys are divided into New World monkeys from the Americas and Old World monkeys from Africa and Asia. Apes, which include gibbons, orangutans, gorillas, chimpanzees, and humans, are known for their larger brains and more complex behaviors.

How do New World monkeys differ from Old World monkeys?

New World monkeys, found in Central and South America, have prehensile tails that can grasp and hold objects, a feature absent in Old World monkeys. Additionally, New World monkeys often have flatter noses with nostrils that are spaced further apart, while Old World monkeys from Africa and Asia have more downward-facing nostrils. Old World monkeys also tend to be larger and more terrestrial than their New World counterparts.

Are all primates considered endangered?

Not all primates are endangered, but many species face significant threats and are at risk of extinction. According to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), over 60% of primate species are threatened with extinction due to habitat loss, hunting, and illegal wildlife trade. Conservation efforts are crucial to protect these diverse and ecologically important animals.

What distinguishes apes from other primates?

Apes are distinguished from other primates by their lack of a tail, more flexible shoulder joints, and generally larger brain size relative to body size, which supports higher cognitive functions. They exhibit complex social structures and behaviors, such as tool use and sophisticated communication. Apes include gibbons, orangutans, gorillas, chimpanzees, bonobos, and humans.

Can primates be found in all parts of the world?

Primates are not found in all parts of the world; they are primarily located in tropical and subtropical regions. The greatest diversity of primates is found in Central and South America, Africa, and Asia. They inhabit a range of environments from rainforests to savannas, although each species has its specific habitat preferences and adaptations.

What role do primates play in their ecosystems?

Primates play vital roles in their ecosystems as seed dispersers, pollinators, and as part of the food chain. Their foraging activities help to maintain forest diversity and regeneration. As a keystone species, their presence or absence can significantly impact the entire ecosystem. Primates also contribute to ecotourism and are integral to our understanding of evolutionary biology and human ancestry.

Michael Anissimov
Michael Anissimov

Michael is a longtime AllThingsNature contributor who specializes in topics relating to paleontology, physics, biology, astronomy, chemistry, and futurism. In addition to being an avid blogger, Michael is particularly passionate about stem cell research, regenerative medicine, and life extension therapies. He has also worked for the Methuselah Foundation, the Singularity Institute for Artificial Intelligence, and the Lifeboat Foundation.

Learn more...
Michael Anissimov
Michael Anissimov

Michael is a longtime AllThingsNature contributor who specializes in topics relating to paleontology, physics, biology, astronomy, chemistry, and futurism. In addition to being an avid blogger, Michael is particularly passionate about stem cell research, regenerative medicine, and life extension therapies. He has also worked for the Methuselah Foundation, the Singularity Institute for Artificial Intelligence, and the Lifeboat Foundation.

Learn more...

Discussion Comments

anon989452

i want to know what the main types or species of primates are.

anon246224

I'm trying to understand the relationship tarsius dentatus has with other primate families and its place within its own order. Any tips on where to look? I find taxonomy very confusing.

anon152634

I am trying to list different kinds of primates. Can anyone help?

chrisinbama

@medicchristy: Here are a few more monkey facts for you:

The tip of a spider monkey’s tail can support the weight of his body. A monkey was once tried and convicted for smoking a cigarette in South Bend, Indiana. Monkeys can breed any time of the year. Spider Monkeys have appeared in more films than any other monkey. Monkeys express affection by grooming each other.

DinoLeash

@medicchristy: Here are a few facts that might help you out in your report:

When a monkey yawns, it either means he is mad or tired. Monkeys always peel their bananas before eating them. Howler monkeys are the loudest of the monkeys and can be heard from 10 miles away. In the wild, monkeys live in groups, known as troops. They travel together to find food.

medicchristy

I am doing a project in my biology class on primates, specifically monkeys. Does anyone have some interesting facts that I could include in my report on monkeys?

GrumpyGuppy

@anon70178: I didn't see anywhere in the article that stated frogs were primates.

anon70178

a frog is not a primate.

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    • Neanderthals are extinct members of the genus Homo.
      By: Bastos
      Neanderthals are extinct members of the genus Homo.
    • Lemurs belong to the primate group known as prosimians.
      By: Dhoxax
      Lemurs belong to the primate group known as prosimians.
    • Monkeys are primates.
      By: sugar0607
      Monkeys are primates.
    • Orangutans are primates that live in Malaysia and Indonesia.
      By: Uryadnikov Sergey
      Orangutans are primates that live in Malaysia and Indonesia.
    • Chimps are very intelligent primates.
      By: davemhuntphoto
      Chimps are very intelligent primates.