Why Study Nonhuman Primates?
If anthropology is defined as the study of humans, why would anthropologists study nonhuman primates? First of all, in order to more fully understand the behavior and anatomy of any organism, scientists often compare and contrast the organism they are studying with similar or related forms (comparative method). In this case, since the nonhuman primates are our closest evolutionary relatives, we can gain much insight into our own behavior and morphology by studying extant (living) primates. Depending upon the classification scheme, there are presently between 190 and 230 species of primates (prosimians, monkeys, and apes) living in the world today. This diversity provides primatologists (anthropologists who studies primates) with many opportunities for study and learning. Primate studies are also important because they demonstrate the utility of the holistic perspective in anthropology. By studying nonhuman primates, anthropologists can learn more about human behavior as it relates to s
