Final answer:
The statement is false; Old World and New World monkeys have a dental formula of 2.1.2.3, while tarsiers have a different dental and skeletal structure, reflecting their unique evolutionary adaptations.
Step-by-step explanation:
Is the Dental Formula of Old World and New World Monkeys the Same as Tarsiers?
The statement that the dental formula for both Old World and New World monkeys is the same as the dental pattern for tarsiers is false. Old World and New World monkeys, known scientifically as Catarrhini and Platyrrhini respectively, have a dental formula of 2.1.2.3, meaning two incisors, one canine, two premolars, and three molars in each quadrant of the jaw. This dental pattern is a characteristic feature of haplorrhine primates and is particularly noted in fossil records of early catarrhine primates such as Propliopithecus. New World monkeys are distinguished by features such as their prehensile tails and arboreal habits, while Old World monkeys may be arboreal or ground-dwelling and possess certain physical traits such as ischial callosities. On the other hand, tarsiers have their own unique set of dental and skeletal characteristics that differentiate them from both New World and Old World monkeys, therefore, they do not share the same dental formula.
It is also important to note that tarsiers have both prosimian and anthropoid characteristics, and they are the only carnivore among the primates, predominantly feeding on insects and small animals. The variability in traits among different primate groups reflect their diverse evolutionary paths and adaptations.