Unit 2 Primate Case Study

Module 3 Pre-grading
1. Four factors that limit the primate’s diet is plant defense, the reproduction status of a female, seasonality, and competition. Plants can use physical barriers to stop animals from eating them. For example, some plants will use thorns others will use certain substances that make digestion difficult, resulting in small quantity conception. Female primates who are pregnant require more calories, meaning they need to obtain more food. If they are lactating they require 50% more calories compared to when they are not breastfeeding or pregnant, according to the online lecture of Primate Ecology. Seasonality proves as a challenge due to food sources becoming scarce. Depending on their location primates may look at small sources that have calories that will help their dietary needs. Lastly, competition will occur when there is a small supply of food primates will compete. Once they begin to compete for the primate who cannot defend itself might not be able to obtain any food.
2. A) The resource defense model is considered to help a group of primates obtains more food resources. The reason is because as a group they have the ability to outnumber a small group or individuals when competing for food
While examining the primate I would look at their dental formulas. By looking at these characteristics it can help differentiate the New World Monkeys from the old world monkeys and apes. For example, if the primate were to have a 2.1.3.3 dental formula they would be considered a New World Monkey. After observing them and seeing if they are tree-dwellers I can also come to the conclusion that he or she is a New World Monkey. While looking at the nose we can also determine if they are Old World Monkeys, New World Monkeys, or apes. If their nose faces down they would fall under the category of apes and Old World Monkeys. However, after being examined and looking at their traits I would come to the conclusion that the primate is a New World