Old and New world primates Jeff Nightingale BSc (Hons) M.I.A.T. M.I.A.C.E

New world primates

New World monkeys are limited to tropical forest environments of southern Mexico, Central, and South America. All of these monkeys are predominantly arboreal and mostly herbivorous. They eat leaves, fruits, nuts, gums, and occasional small prey such as insects. Today, there are at least 53 species commonly divided into two families—Cebidae (Squirrel monkeys,spider monkeys). Callitricidae.(marmosets).

Forest life (Arboreal)

Nose

Locomotion

Their thumbs are not opposable. They have claws on all digits except for their big toes, which have nails.

Sexual dimorphism

prehensile tails

Perceived threats New World• Aggression

• Vocalisation • Bouncing• Attack

• Reconciliation

• ‘leg it’ and come back• Vocalisation

Old world primates

The Old World monkeys occupy a wide variety of environments in South and East Asia, the Middle East, Africa, and even Gibraltar at the southern tip of Spain. Some species inhabit tropical forests, while others live on arid grasslands and even mountainous areas with heavy winter snows.There are at least 78 species of Old World monkeys in two subfamilies---the Cercopithecinae and the Colobinae. Monkeys in both groups are relatively large, being about the size of small to medium-size dogs.

Old world

semi-terrestrial

Nose

quadrupedal

Opposable thumbs

Sexual dimorphism

prehensile tail ?

Sexual swelling

Normal Behaviouro Foragingo Swing/climbo Grooming (self and

others)o Social interactiono Feeding and Drinkingo Vocalization

Perceived threats Old World• Aggression

• Open mouth/Stare• Vocalisation • Swaying• Bouncing• Attack

• Reconciliation

• ‘leg it’ and come back• Grimace/vocalisation• Lip smack• Mount/Presentation

Old world or New World

Old world or New world

Old world or New world

Questions?