As we discussed, plesiadapiforms were initially interpreted as being the first primates. They were then interpreted as being out
side the direct primate lineage because they lacked many of the key traits that define the primate order. This debate continues today. Given what you know about the defining traits found in most living primates, describe four traits you think should be found in the earliest primates. What advantages would these traits have provided the first primates
Primates must have long, strong fingers capable of supporting their own body weight when they need to climb, the ability to climb trees and stereoscopic vision. These skills help primates not only to survive in the wild, but facilitate the obtaining of food, resistance to predators and reproduction, these characteristics being the most favorable to maintain the continuation of the active species and competitiveness among members of the species.
