Main Characteristics of Primates
- Primates are mammals. There are about 500 species.
- Primates are omnivores. They mainly feed on plants, fruits and insects.
- Primates have an opposable big toe. This means it can be placed opposite the other toes.
- In many primates the thumb is opposable, too. They can grab objects with precision using their thumb and forefinger (“pinch grip”).
- Primates usually have fingernails and toenails instead of claws.
- Primates (and koalas) are the only mammals that have fingerprints.
- Primates live in tropical and subtropical regions in America, Africa and Asia.
Primate Family Tree