The study of primate fossils provided evidence of the primate evolution over the years. Discovery of the Adapis parisiensis : the first primate fossils by Georges Cuvier was the beginning of findings of primate fossils with more advanced features(Bernardi & Couette, 2017). Nevertheless, modern primates have since been characterized by unique anatomies and skills. The relics of the Adapis parisiensis was almost disregarded as a primate until careful studies proved otherwise. These studies were the foundation of future primate fossil studies. Some of these studies seek to explain the emergence and evolution of primates.
One of these theories is the arboreal hypothesis. It is based on the fact that primates' evolution relied on adapting to the arboreal life. Traits such as binocular vision, higher intelligence and grasping feet and hands combined to function as an adaptation to living in trees(Braun & Brunstetter, 2013). The vision facilitated judging distance and better perception when moving from tree to tree. Holding to tree branches was enabled by the feet and hands that could grasp while intelligence played a role in understanding the space in trees. These were essential to transition to the arboreal mode of life.
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The visual predation hypothesis may be considered as another version of the arboreal theory since both examine the basic idea that primates had unique features suiting them for arboreal existence(Lemelin & Schmitt, 2007). Reduced claws, orbital convergence and grasping limbs were essential for nocturnal foraging for insects and fruits near the forest floor. The grasping limbs and reduced claws for easy feeding of small game, and orbital convergence to gauge distances.
Angiosperm radiation theory states that adaptive radiation of primates occurred with that of angiosperms. The early hominids would feed on products of flowering plants like fruits and insects that fed on these angiosperms(Cartmill, 2012). Traits like the stereoscopic vision facilitated foraging in low levels of light. Nevertheless, it also improved eye-hand coordination.
These theories have their denying evidence. For instance, the angiosperm radiation theory contradicts as first angiosperms evolved way before the first primates. Moreover, earliest primates dint possess orbital convergence. Therefore, comparisons are usually on a large scale rather than closely related species. The studies lacked identifying a specific hypothesis to test.
References
Bernardi, M., & Couette, S. (2017). Eocene paleoecology of Adapis parisiensis (Primate, Adapidae): From inner ear to lifestyle. The Anatomical Record .
Braun, M., & Brunstetter, D. R. (2013). Rethinking the criterion for assessing CIA-targeted killings: Drones, proportionality and jus ad vim. Journal of Military Ethics , 12 (4), 304–324.
Cartmill, M. (2012). Primate origins, human origins, and the end of higher taxa. Evolutionary Anthropology: Issues, News, and Reviews , 21 (6), 208–220.
Lemelin, P., & Schmitt, D. (2007). Origins of grasping and locomotor adaptations in primates: comparative and experimental approaches using an opossum model. Primate Origins: Adaptations and Evolution , 329–380.
