Anthropoidsnamely

Anthropoidsnamely is not a standard term in primatology. In formal usage, anthropoids (anthropoid primates) refer to a clade within the order Primates that includes monkeys, apes, and humans. The preferred name is anthropoids, while “namely” is a linguistic term used to introduce specific examples or clarifications.

Taxonomy and classification

Anthropoids belong to the clade Simiiformes, which branches into two parvorders: Platyrrhini (New World monkeys) and Catarrhini (Old World monkeys, apes, and humans). This group is distinct from the earlier, more primitive lineages known as prosimians, such as lemurs and lorises. Within Catarrhini, further division separates cercopithecoids (Old World monkeys) from hominoids (apes and humans).

Evolution and distribution

Fossil evidence suggests anthropoids originated in Africa and Asia during the early to middle Eocene, roughly 40–60 million years ago. The lineage diversified into broad ecological and geographical niches, with New World monkeys arriving in the Americas by the Oligocene or later through dispersion. Today, anthropoids inhabit a wide range of tropical and subtropical regions in Africa, Asia, and the Americas, with varying degrees of arboreal and terrestrial lifestyles.

Characteristics

Anthropoids generally have larger brains relative to body size than more basal primates, forward-facing eyes with stereoscopic vision, and a tendency toward increased social complexity and parental care. Dental formulas differ between subgroups (for example, 2-1-2-3 in catarrhines and 2-1-3-3 in many platyrrhines). Postorbital closure and reduced reliance on the sense of smell are common features compared with prosimians.

Notable groups

Key subdivisions include Old World monkeys, gibbons and other apes (lesser and great apes), and humans. These lineages display a wide range of morphologies, behaviors, and ecological adaptations, from highly arboreal to predominantly terrestrial modes of life.