Directory of Primates Resources

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What is a primate?

A primate is a classification of biology used to group several similar animal species together. Probably the most recognizable to kids are the monkey and the human. Yes, you are a primate.

All primates have nails, hooves or claws. A lot of things that have claws are not primates though, like birds. Primates also have a clavicle, also known as a collar bone. Another feature of the primate is that their innermost digit (finger) is opposable. What this means is that the thumb can be used to pick things up. Imagine how hard it would be to pick things up without your thumb.

Subcategories

• Baboon
• Chimpanzees
• Galago
• Gorillas
• Humans
• Lemurs
• Monkeys

Resources in This Category

• African Primates At Home

  http://www.indiana.edu/~primate/primates.html
  Images, audio, links and data about wild monkeys and apes.

• The Great Apes

  http://www.factmonster.com/spot/ape1.html
  Fast facts on gorillas, orangutans, chimpanzees, and bonobos, with profiles on the animals.

Related Categories

• Home > Kids and Teens > School Time > Science > Living Things > Origins of Life > Human Evolution

 

Home > Kids and Teens > School Time > Science > Living Things > Animals > Mammals > Primates

 

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