Walker's primates of the world - Nowak

Primates are among the world's most diverse and distinctive groups of mammals. Over 70 million years of evolving primate anatomy has resulted in characteristics including superior dexterity and muscular co-ordination, stereoscopic vision, a relatively large brain, and grasping hands and feet. This volume is a comprehensive guide to this varied order of mammals, including scientific and common names; the number and distribution of species; measurements and physical traits; habitat; daily and seasonal activity; population dynamics; home range; social life; reproduction; longevity; and status of threatened species. Recently extinct genera, such as the giant lemurs of Madagascar, are covered in full.;The authors of the book's introduction discuss the taxonomy and distribution of primates, as well as their distinguishing characteristics, special adaptations and particularly striking features, such as sociality. They also report on conservation efforts past and future, and assess the factors, largely human-caused, that are threatening non-human primates with extinction.