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Sexual dimorphism in primate evolution.

J M Plavcan1

  • 1Department of Anthropology, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, Arkansas 27701, USA.

American Journal of Physical Anthropology
|January 12, 2002
PubMed
Summary

Sexual dimorphism in primates, including body mass and skeletal traits, is shaped by sexual selection and natural selection. Recent studies reveal dimorphism arises from changes in both sexes and offers insights into evolutionary behavior.

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Area of Science:

  • Primate Evolutionary Biology
  • Anthropology
  • Zoology

Background:

  • Sexual dimorphism is widespread in anthropoid primates, affecting traits like body mass, canine size, and pelage.
  • Previous research has focused on familiar dimorphic traits, but recent studies explore subtle skeletal differences.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To synthesize current understanding of sexual dimorphism in primates.
  • To explore the evolutionary causes and developmental pathways of dimorphism.
  • To investigate the relationship between sexual selection, natural selection, and primate mating systems.

Main Methods:

  • Comparative analyses of primate traits over 30 years.
  • Examination of developmental studies and ontogenetic pathways.
  • Review of fossil evidence for primate dimorphism.

Main Results:

  • Sexual selection hypotheses are supported, clarifying the interplay of selection pressures and mating systems.
  • Dimorphism results from evolutionary changes in both male and female traits.
  • Fossil record suggests dimorphism evolved independently multiple times, potentially exceeding modern primate levels in extinct hominoids.

Conclusions:

  • Understanding dimorphism's developmental basis and sex-specific trait evolution aids in inferring past primate behavior.
  • While direct social system reconstruction from dimorphism alone is limited, insights into growth and development offer potential for evolutionary behavioral analysis.

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