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Why do physical anthropologists study primates

a) because humans are descend from primates
b) to look for clues that will shed light on the evolution of humans and human behaviour
c) because our genetic make-up only differs by 1 or 2 percent
d) to understand the primate species to its fullest

1 Answer

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Final answer:

Physical anthropologists study primates to gain insights into the evolution of humans and human behavior, understand what it means to be a primate, and explore genetic similarities and differences between humans and primates.

Step-by-step explanation:

Physical anthropologists study primates for various reasons. Firstly, the study of primates provides valuable insights into the evolution of humans and human behavior. By comparing the behavioral and physical attributes of primates, researchers can understand the similarities and differences between humans and other primates.

In addition, humans share a common ancestry with primates, making them a crucial subject of study for understanding our own species. Studying non-human primates helps us gain a better understanding of what it means to be a primate and what makes humans unique.

Lastly, our genetic makeup is closely related to that of primates. Humans share about 93-99% of their DNA sequences with non-human primates. Examining the genetic similarities and differences between humans and primates allows scientists to identify the genetic basis for certain traits and behaviors.

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