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The Arboreal Theory has been disputed by scholars, as there are many arboreal animals that do not have primate features such as the forward facing eyes, fingernails instead of claws, reduced olfaction (sense of smell) as well as tactile, grasping hands. When regarding Sciurids the terrestrial species actually have greater orbital convergence (forward facing eyes) than arboreal species. Primates probably did not develop their features due to life in the trees.
Reference: Cartmill, M. 1974. 'Rethinking Primate Origines' Science, vol. 184, p. 436-43
I'm planning to create a Wikipedia page about Arboreal Theory as it applies to primates, beginning with an overview of why this theory is crucial in my study of primatology. I'll outline the development of this theory and the key minds behind it. The main content will dive deep into the theory's principles, how primates have adapted to living in trees, and provide examples. I'll compare these adaptations with those of ground-dwelling primates, and discuss the theory's role in primate evolution. — Preceding unsigned comment added by Nianshaoli (talk • contribs) 04:43, 2 April 2024 (UTC)
- So what's the alternate theory? I haven't read this article, but this is the first I've heard of it, after many decades of writing about biology. Also, while it's interesting that not all arboreal species have the exact same constellation of traits as primates, I'm not convinced that's a nail in the coffin for stereoscopic vision, an enlarged neocortex, and grasping hands and feet being adaptations to arboreal life. Any more on this than this one 25 year old paper? After all evolution is partly historical too, not all purely adaptive.
Date?
editWhen did mammals first take to the trees? --1000Faces (talk) 18:48, 31 December 2007 (UTC)
Wiki Education assignment: ENGL2650 Science Writing Origins, Ethics, and Emerging Genres
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This article was the subject of a Wiki Education Foundation-supported course assignment, between 9 January 2024 and 17 April 2024. Further details are available on the course page. Student editor(s): Nianshaoli (article contribs).
— Assignment last updated by WritingTeacherC (talk) 15:26, 22 March 2024 (UTC)