non-human-primate-evolution

Non-human primates represent one of the most diverse groups of mammals. Demonstrating a wide range of ecological, locomotor, dietary and behavioural variations they are taxonomically diverse and continue to be a source of phylogenetic debate.

Studying non-human primates not only provides insight into the origin of the first humans, but also reveals the spatial and temporal patterns, and drivers, which have resulted in the diversity of extant primates, now numbering over 400 recognised species. With their origins dating back to the age of dinosaurs, the evolution of the first true non-human primates can be traced back to at least 55 million years ago. Non-human primates have evolved through periods of incredible climatic, geomorphological and biogeographic change and understanding their history is critical to understanding our own history.