Major Questions in the Study of Primate Origins

Abstract

Numerous factors have stimulated new enthusiasm for understanding the process of primate origins, including new fossil discoveries, improvements to methods for analyzing molecular data, and technological advances. These novel approaches have led to a better appreciation of the complexities of early primate evolution. Eight fundamental questions provide a framework for thinking about these issues. Among these topics are the phylogenetic position of Primates in Mammalia and the membership of particular fossil groups in the order. Also of central interest are questions about early primate ecology and anatomy such as the ancestral body mass, diet, locomotor mode, interactions with predators, and brain size and form. And finally, considerations of the paleontological record need to be informed by the most relevant living models, which help flesh out the story that is being told by fossils. Although much is known about all of these areas, fundamental questions still remain.