Haplorhini

Definition

Haplorhini is a suborder of primates that includes the tarsiers, monkeys, and apes. This group is characterized by a simplified nasal structure, the absence of a rhinarium (moist, naked nose tip), and the presence of a postorbital bar, which is a bony structure that forms a partial or complete ring around the eye socket.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Haplorhines are distinguished from Strepsirrhines by their simplified nasal structure and the absence of a rhinarium.
2. The postorbital bar is a key anatomical feature that separates Haplorhini from Strepsirrhini.
3. Haplorhines have a reduced sense of smell compared to Strepsirrhines, as they rely more on vision.
4. Anthropoids, which include monkeys, apes, and humans, are the most diverse and successful group of Haplorhini.
5. Tarsiers are the only living Haplorhini that are not part of the Anthropoidea infraorder.

Review Questions

• Describe the key anatomical features that distinguish Haplorhini from Strepsirrhini primates.
  • The key anatomical features that distinguish Haplorhini from Strepsirrhini primates are the simplified nasal structure, the absence of a rhinarium (moist, naked nose tip), and the presence of a postorbital bar, which is a bony structure that forms a partial or complete ring around the eye socket. These features reflect the greater reliance on vision and reduced sense of smell in Haplorhini compared to Strepsirrhini primates.
• Explain the significance of the Anthropoidea infraorder within the Haplorhini suborder.
  • The Anthropoidea infraorder, which includes monkeys, apes, and humans, is the most diverse and successful group of Haplorhini primates. Anthropoids are distinguished by their forward-facing eyes, reduced sense of smell, and increased reliance on vision. This adaptation has allowed them to develop more complex social behaviors, tool use, and cognitive abilities compared to other Haplorhini primates, such as the tarsiers, which are the only living Haplorhini that are not part of the Anthropoidea infraorder.
• Analyze the evolutionary significance of the Haplorhini suborder in the context of primate evolution and adaptation.
  • The Haplorhini suborder represents a significant evolutionary step in the diversification and adaptation of primates. The simplified nasal structure, absence of a rhinarium, and presence of a postorbital bar in Haplorhini primates allowed for an increased reliance on vision and the development of more complex social and cognitive abilities. This adaptation has been crucial for the success and dominance of the Anthropoidea infraorder, which includes monkeys, apes, and humans, the most diverse and successful group of Haplorhini. The evolutionary trajectory of the Haplorhini suborder highlights the importance of sensory adaptations in shaping the ecological and behavioral niches of different primate lineages, ultimately contributing to the overall diversity and success of the order Primates.

Related terms

Strepsirrhini: The other suborder of primates, which includes the lemurs, lorises, and galagos. Strepsirrhines are characterized by a moist, naked nose tip (rhinarium) and a complex nasal structure.

Anthropoidea: The infraorder of Haplorhini that includes the monkeys, apes, and humans. Anthropoids are distinguished by their forward-facing eyes, reduced sense of smell, and increased reliance on vision.

Tarsiiformes: The infraorder of Haplorhini that includes the tarsiers, small nocturnal primates found in Southeast Asia. Tarsiers are the only living haplorhines that are not anthropoids.