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Rethinking primate origins again
Robert W Sussman1, D Tab Rasmussen, Peter H Raven
1Department of Anthropology, Washington University, St. Louis, Missouri, USA. rwsussma@wustl.edu
American Journal of Primatology
|November 28, 2012
Summary
The earliest primates likely evolved by eating fruits and insects on terminal branches, supporting the primate/angiosperm co-evolution theory. Fossil evidence, like Carpolestes simpsoni, and new data bolster this hypothesis.
Area of Science:
- Paleontology
- Primate Evolution
- Evolutionary Biology
Background:
- The "visual predation hypothesis" proposed earliest primate adaptations were for visually hunting on branches.
- This theory has been challenged by new data on early primates and related mammals.
Purpose of the Study:
- To test the "primate/angiosperm co-evolution theory," which suggests early primates exploited angiosperm products.
- To evaluate if fossil evidence supports the co-evolution theory.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of recent data on primate-like marsupials, nocturnal prosimians, and early fossil primates.
- Examination of the paleo-environmental context of early primate appearance.
- Review of new field data on small primate diets and visual adaptations.
Main Results:
- The discovery of Carpolestes simpsoni provides fossil support for the angiosperm co-evolution theory.
- New data on primate diets and visual adaptations further corroborate the theory.
- The theory posits early primates exploited fruits, flowers, and insects in terminal branch environments.
Conclusions:
- The primate/angiosperm co-evolution theory is supported by current fossil and ecological data.
- Early primate evolution was likely influenced by the diversification of angiosperms.
- This co-evolutionary relationship offers a more comprehensive explanation for early primate adaptations.
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