Final answer:
We study primates to better understand human origin, intelligence, technology, and culture. This is done through the concepts of homology and analogy.
Step-by-step explanation:
Primates are studied to gain a better understanding of what it means to be a primate and what it means to be human. By studying nonhuman primates, anthropologists can learn about the origins of human intelligence, technology, and culture. This can be done through the concepts of homology and analogy.
Homology refers to the structural similarities that are inherited from a common ancestor. For example, the grasping hand found in both humans and chimpanzees suggests a common ancestor. On the other hand, analogy refers to traits that have developed independently but serve similar functions. An example would be the wing of a butterfly and the wing of a bat.