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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

Primate Family Tree

Species List


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