Final answer:
Primates are distinguished by traits such as five fingers, various types of teeth, an opposable thumb, and a large brain. Anthropoids, a subset of primates including monkeys and apes, feature larger brains and are mainly diurnal. Primates emphasize vision over smell, which is reflected in their brain structure and sensory organs.
Step-by-step explanation:
Primates, including human beings, possess several distinct features that differentiate them from other mammals. These features of primates include having five fingers, an array of different types of teeth to accommodate versatile diets, and the presence of an opposable thumb. Another significant trait is the possession of a large brain relative to body size, which is indicative of complex behaviors and mental capacities.
Primarily, primates thrive in diverse habitats such as trees, swamps, and terrestrial environments. This adaptability is enabled by their flexible limbs and enhanced dexterity, which allows for adept locomotion and manipulation of objects.
The Anthropoids
The group of primates known as anthropoids encompasses monkeys, lesser apes, and great apes. Anthropoids generally have larger brain sizes compared to prosimians, and they exhibit diurnal behaviors as opposed to the often nocturnal prosimian counterparts. These evolutionary advancements in anthropoids are linked to changes in social structures and increased cognitive abilities.
Primate Sensory Shifts
There is a clear emphasis on vision over smell among primates when compared to other mammals. This is evidenced by reduced areas in the brain dedicated to olfactory processing and the advanced development of eyes and corresponding visual areas in the brain. Such adaptions underscore the sensory shifts that are part of primate evolution.