How do scientists determine the brain volume of extinct primates?

To obtain an accurate measure of brain size, scientists remove an endocast from the braincase and record its volume, or use CT scanning to measure the inside of the braincase.

What evidence do scientists have for evolution?

Five types of evidence for evolution are discussed in this section: ancient organism remains, fossil layers, similarities among organisms alive today, similarities in DNA, and similarities of embryos.

What is the brain capacity of Australopithecus?

Australopithecus, considered a link between ape and human and appearing more than 4-million years ago, had an average cranial capacity of about 450 cc to 500 cc – about the size of an orange.

Are all types of primates in danger of becoming extinct?

However, it is likely that all major groupings of primates have been discovered. Manyprimate species are now in dangerof becoming extinct. The primary cause is deforestation, driven ultimately by human population growth. Additional pressure is placed on primate populations by humans hunting them to sell for food and pets.

How many species of primates exist in the world?

Most estimates are in the range of 230-270. This ambiguity may be partly resolved in the futurewith DNA sequencing data. Compounding the problem is the fact that every few years new species of primatesare found. The tropical forests of South America, Africa, and Southeast Asia may still be hidingones that are unknown to the scientific world.

How did human smarts evolve?

How Human Smarts Evolved By counting the number of neurons in brains, one scientist revolutionized our view of why Homo sapiens and nonhuman primates are so much smarter than other animals. Douglas Fox is a freelance journalist.

How has research in nonhuman primates extended our fundamental knowledge?

These are many examples of how research in nonhuman primates has extended our fundamental knowledge of how the human body functions in health and disease. Monkeys are susceptible to an immunodeficiency virus similar to HIV, making them ideal for the study of AIDS and potential vaccines and treatments.