Zoo Primate Project
For those of you who are not in San Diego, or for those of you who cannot make it on the 13th to get in for free, but cannot afford to go to the zoo on your own, please send me a message and I can give you an alternative assignment.
1. First, make note of the day(s) you attended the Zoo, the time you spent there (specific hours), and the weather conditions.
2. Select a total of 5 primates from the following list to observe. Please note: not all of these primates will be on display all of the time. You do not need to choose one from each group…you can focus on ANY five species.
Prosimians: Hylobatidae: New World Monkeys: Old World Monkeys: Pongidae:
Lemurs Gibbons Marmosets Baboons Orangutans
Lorises Siamangs Tamarins Macaques Chimpanzees
Tarsiers Howler monkeys Guenons Gorillas
Spider monkeys Colobus Bonobos
Woolly monkeys Langurs
Squirrel monkeys Mangabeys
Capuchins Mandrills
3. Focusing on the 5 primates you have selected, note the following aspects about each of them.
Scientific name & common name
Where the species is found at the SD Zoo (Monkey Trail, etc.)
Taxonomic category (prosimian, NW monkey, OW monkey, or ape)
Geographic location
Diet
Dental formula
Sexual dimorphism
Locomotor style
Type of nose
Body size
Any unusual features
Endangered status
4. Focusing on the 5 primates you have selected, describe and analyze the primates’ behaviors you witnessed during your visit.
5. Finally, you should note what you personally gained from the experience, and what your attitude is regarding the Zoo and the care of the animals.