Monkeys, lemurs, and humans are some of the mammals that scientists have classified in the animal group known as primates. The word primate comes from a Latin word meaning “leader,” and the group includes some of the most intelligent members of the animal kingdom. Because the different kinds of primates have many things in common, it is believed that they may share a common ancestor.

Types of primates

There are between 200 and 300 species, or kinds, of primates, and others are still being discovered. Scientists often divide primates into two groups: lower primates and higher primates. Lemurs, lorises, and tarsiers are examples of lower primates (also called prosimians). Monkeys, apes, and humans are higher primates. Higher primates have larger, more complex brains than lower primates.

Where primates live

Humans can be found nearly everywhere in the world. Most other primates are found in the tropics and nearby regions. In the Americas, nonhuman primates can be found from Mexico to Brazil. They also live in Africa south of the Sahara, the Arabian Peninsula, south-central Asia, Southeast Asia, Japan, and the East Indies. Nonhuman primates often live in trees.

Physical features

Primates differ a great deal in size. The pygmy marmoset monkey weighs only about 4 ounces (113 grams) in adulthood. An adult gorilla, on the other hand, can weigh as much as 600 pounds (270 kilograms).

The bodies of primates have many similarities. The forearms are linked to the chest by the collarbone. This allows primates to hang by their arms. Primates have eyes that face forward. This results in the view from one eye overlapping the view from the other, letting the primate judge depth and distance. Most primates have flat nails on their fingers and toes rather than claws. They also have thumbs that can bend to meet the other fingers, allowing them to grasp things. All primates except humans also have big toes that bend and grip in this way. Special nerve endings in the hands and feet give primates a good sense of touch. Primates have low, rounded teeth in areas where other mammals have high, pointed ones.

Behavior and reproduction

Primates that are active during the day tend to be social creatures, meaning that they live with others of their kind. Primates that are active at night tend to live alone. Nonhuman primates may eat insects, leaves, or fruits.

Primates usually give birth to one baby at a time. Over the course of their lives, female primates tend to have fewer young than other types of animals. Primate babies need care for much longer than the offspring of most other animals. Deep bonds are often created between the primate mother and her child.

Primates in danger

While the human race keeps getting larger, the fate of many other primates is in danger. Human activities such as logging and farming have destroyed the habitats of some primates. Hunting is another serious threat to many species. In 2000 a type of African red colobus monkey became the first primate since 1800 to be declared extinct (no longer existing). Governments and environmental groups have taken measures to try to keep other primates from sharing that fate.