This document contains an in-depth analysis of some of the topics covered in the IEB matric Life sciences syllabus. The notes are simplified perfectly to ensure the balance between simplicity and understanding, covering all the aspects needed to achieve an A in bio and more.
Hominid studies
primates – third most diverse order of mammals after rodents and bats
Catarrhini primate sub – group (1/6 sub group of primates)- humans,
monkeys and apes
Evidence primates have a common ancestor? biogeographical evidence
in which all primates are found in lands that used to be part of souther
continent, Gondwanaland
most present day primates are arboreal* living in trees
Primates characterisitcs which help in arboreal life
kept the clavicle and collarbone which helps to stabilize shoulder and
allows the primate to support weight by hanging on arms alone
long slender limbs which rotate freely to help movement
mobile opposable thumbs to help grasp and hold on branches
Characteristics primates share
enlarged and complex brain
flattened face and reduced snout as relied more on vision than smell
eyes face forward ( stereoscopic vision)
digits w flat nails
complex social behaviour such as taking care of young
Primates share a large percentage of their dna, hence they must have had a
common ancestor at some stage
Primates must have a larger number of olfactory-receptor pseudo-
genes than non primates
have full trichromatic color vision ( red blue green)
, APES AND HUMANS
scientists say that humans did not evolve from apes, rather we both
have evolved from a common ancestor
ANATOMICAL SIMILARITIES BETWEEN APES AND HUMANS
have upright posture
lack external tails
freely rotating arms
opposable thumb
fingers and toes w flat nails
eyes face forward for stereoscopic vision
large brain compared to body mass
DIFFERENCES
largely related to habitual bipedalism in humans , meaning the ability
to walk upright on 2 legs habitually as apes can only briefly walk on 2
legs
Habitual bipedalism- most important adapatation that started humans
on their evolutionary path
APES HUMANS
arms longer than legs legs bigger and longer and
stronger
finger and toes straight
fingers and toes curved to thumbs grasp objects
grasp branches precisely and increased ability
divergent big toe to manipulate objects
hipbones large, and elongated shorter broader and more
and parallel to spinal column bowl shaped pelvis
to support legs in bent over convergent big toe
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