What is primatology?
By Lesleigh Luttrell, University of Wisconsin Unlike traditional academic disciplines, primatology is characterized by the taxon of organisms studied, not by the kinds of questions addressed. Primatologists share an interest in non-human primates, but otherwise are a highly diverse group including scientists, educators, conservationists, medical researchers and veterinarians among others. Some focus exclusively on non-human primates; while others study primates as models for human diseases, or as part of complex ecosystems. While most people who identify themselves as primatologists have post-graduate training, they come from a wide variety of fields. A recent survey of the membership of the American Society of Primatologists found anthropology, psychology, biology/zoology and veterinary science as the most common disciplines of origin. Other represented fields include anatomy, biochemistry, genetics, medical science, pharmacology, and physiology.
Primatology is the study of the behavior, biology, evolution, and taxonomy of nonhuman primates. Primatologists are united by a common interest in study subjects, but not necessarily by uniformity in academic training. Strong intellectual traditions in primatology emerged after World War II in the US and Canada, Western Europe, and Japan. In the US, primatologists are usually trained as psychologists, anthropologists, or, less often, biologists or zoologists. Training effects the research questions asked, the research setting, and, to some extent, possible career paths. Practicing primatologists need and use skills from anthropology, biology, and psychology, regardless of the extent of formal training received in each. Primatologists work in a variety of settings including universities, primate research centers, private laboratories, sanctuaries, and zoos. Famous primatologists include Jane Goodall, Birute Galdikas, Dian Fossey, and Frans de Waal. For further information on primatology
Primatology is the scientific study of living non-human primates. Primates are our closest relatives among all living things. Monkeys, gibbons, greater apes and humans are all primates. Primatology exists because humans have a unique place within primates. Primatology gives us a greater understanding of biological nature. Unlike traditional academic methods, primatology is defined more by the object of study, that of primates, rather than by the specific subject matter it addresses. Primatology helps humans gain a better understanding of our own characteristics. We owe these characteristics to our primate ancestry, and this enables us to determine what makes us human. It also helps us understand what makes us tick, both biologically and behaviorally. Humans did not exactly evolve from apes. We do share a common ancestor, dating to about six million years ago. Modern apes and other primates have evolved since that time, as well as the humans. Primatology takes into account the necessity
” By the simplest definition, primatology is the study of non-human primates. However, people will define it differently depending on the way in which they work with primates. Given the diversity in the field, examination of several definitions would be required to paint a complete picture. For example: Friderun Ankel-Simons, in “Preface to the Second Edition” Primate Anatomy: An Introduction, 2000: “We humans are classified together with our closest relatives among living things. Lemurs, lorises, galagos, and tarsiers are the Prosimians. Also included are monkeys of the New and the Old World, lesser apes or gibbons, greater apes, and humans as the Primates. The biological science studying humans together with their mammalian relatives, the other primates, is called primatology. Primatology only exists because humans have a unique place within the Primates. No human would pay any more attention to this group of mammals than to any other group of living creatures were it not for our uni
