primat

Primates are an order of mammals that includes lemurs, lorises, tarsiers, monkeys, and apes, as well as humans. They are found across a wide range of habitats, with the greatest diversity in tropical regions of Africa, Asia, and the Americas. Primates vary greatly in size, from small mouse lemurs to large apes, and their anatomy reflects a mix of arboreal and ground-dwelling lifestyles.

Common traits among primates include flexible and grasping hands with nails rather than claws, forward-facing eyes providing stereoscopic vision, and a relatively large brain for body size. They typically have a reduced reliance on the sense of smell, an expanded range of dietary options, and extended juvenile periods with significant parental care and social learning. Many species are omnivorous or herbivorous, consuming fruit, leaves, insects, and other small prey.

Taxonomically, primates are divided into two main suborders: Strepsirrhini and Haplorhini. Strepsirrhines, including lemurs and lorises, tend to be more nocturnal or crepuscular and possess a rhinarium and a toothcomb. Haplorhini includes tarsiers and the larger grouping Simiiformes (monkeys, apes, and humans). Simiiformes split into Platyrrhini (New World monkeys) and Catarrhini (Old World monkeys and apes). Catarrhini further divides into Cercopithecoidea (Old World monkeys) and Hominoidea (apes and humans), with Hominoidea comprising lesser apes (hylobatids) and great apes (orangutans, gorillas, chimpanzees) along with humans.

The primate fossil record begins in the Eocene, about 55 million years ago, and the group has since diversified into a wide array of ecological roles, from forest canopies to more open habitats. Reproductive strategies are variable, but many species exhibit long development, strong maternal bonds, and complex social structures.