What is the Difference Between Anthropoids and Prosimians?

The main differences between anthropoids and prosimians are found in their taxonomy, anatomy, behavior, and distribution. Here are some key distinctions between the two groups:

1. Taxonomy: Prosimians are classified as a paraphyletic group, while anthropoids are a clade. This means that anthropoids are more closely related to each other and share a common ancestor, whereas prosimians do not form a cohesive evolutionary group.
2. Anthropology: Anthropoids are more evolved compared to prosimians.
3. Species: There are many more anthropoid species than prosimian species.
4. Body size and brain capacity: Anthropoids generally have larger bodies and brains than prosimians.
5. Activity: Prosimians are nocturnal, while anthropoids can be active at any time of the day.
6. Distribution: Anthropoids are distributed everywhere in the world except Australia and Antarctica, while prosimians are mostly found in specific regions, such as Africa, Madagascar, and Southeast Asia.
7. Diet: Anthropoids are typically omnivorous or herbivorous, while prosimians are exclusively herbivorous.
8. Toothcombs: Prosimians possess toothcombs, while anthropoids do not.
9. Snout: Prosimians have a more protruded snout compared to anthropoids.

In summary, anthropoids include monkeys, apes, and humans, while prosimians consist of bush babies, lemurs, lorises, pottos, and tarsiers. Anthropoids are more advanced and widespread, with larger bodies and brains, while prosimians are generally nocturnal and have more specialized diets and distributions.

Comparative Table: Anthropoids vs Prosimians

Here is a table comparing the differences between anthropoids and prosimians:

Anthropoids, also known as simians, are more evolved and intelligent primates, consisting of New World Monkeys, Old World Monkeys, and Apes, including humans. Prosimians, on the other hand, are generally smaller in size and have characteristics similar to the earliest primates. They include lemurs, lorises, galagos, and tarsiers.