Why do orangutan arms closely resemble human arms? What is the advantage to primates of having long limbs? Why do primates have forward-facing eyes? Answers to questions such as these are usually revealed by comparative studies of primate anatomy. In this heavily illustrated, up-to-date text, primate anatomist Daniel L Gebo provides straightforward explanations of primate anatomy that move logically through the body plan and across species. Including only what is essential in relation to soft tissues, the book relies primarily on bony structures to explain the functions and diversity of anatomy among living primates. Ideal for college and graduate courses, Gebos book will also appeal to researchers in the fields of mammalogy, primatology, anthropology, and paleontology. Included in this book are discussions of: Phylogeny Adaptation Body size The wet- and dry-nosed primates Bone biology Musculoskeletal mechanics Strepsirhine and haplorhine heads Primate teeth and diets Necks, backs, and tails The pelvis and reproduction Locomotion Forelimbs and hindlimbs Hands and feet Grasping toes
Preface 1. Primate Phylogeny and Adaptation Phylogeny Cladograms Ghost Lineages Adaptation Body Size What Is a Primate? Primate Evolutionary History Selected References 2. The Wet-Nosed Primates Family Cheirogaleidae Family Lemuridae Family Lepilemuridae Family Indriidae Family Daubentoniidae Family Galagidae Family Lorisidae Selected References 3. The Dry-Nosed Primates Family Tarsiidae Family Callitrichidae Family Cebidae Family Atelidae Family Cercopithecidae Family Hylobatidae Family Pongidae Selected References 4. Musculoskeletal System Bone Biology Joints Muscles Musculoskeletal Mechanics Primate Leaping Size Brachiation Grasping Foot Selected References 5. Heads Bones of the Skull Strepsirhine Heads Haplorhine Heads Brains Eyes Smell Jaws Oddities Selected References 6. Teeth Primate Teeth and Diets Molar Cusps Specialized Dental Characteristics across Primates The Aye-Aye Diet: Fruits, Leaves, and Insects Oddities Selected References 7. Backs Tubes Vertebral Column Necks, Backs, and Tails Boards The Pelvis and Primate Reproduction Selected References 8. Primate Locomotion and the Forelimb Primate Locomotion Postures Limbs Forelimb Shoulders Elbows Forearms Hands Fingers Selected References 9. Hindlimb Hindlimb The Pelvis and Hip Joint Femur Knees Fibula The Tribial-Fibular Mortise Feet Foot Form Grasping Toes Nails Selected References 10. Great Ape and Human Anatomy Heads Teeth Forelimbs Body Lower Limbs Bipedialism Conclusion Selected References Index
""I highly recommend Gebo's book to teachers of undergraduate primate anatomy.""
