Suborder Anthropoidea refers to a taxonomic group within the order Primates, which includes monkeys, apes, and humans. The term Anthropoidea is derived from the Greek words "anthropos" meaning human and "eidos" meaning form or shape, thus indicating the close evolutionary relationship between these primates and humans. This suborder is characterized by a set of distinctive features and behavioral traits, making it a distinct branch of the primate family tree.
Anthropoidea encompasses two infraorders: Platyrrhini (the New World monkeys) and Catarrhini (the Old World monkeys, apes, and humans). Members of this suborder are widely distributed across tropical and subtropical regions of Africa, Asia, and the Americas.
Physically, Anthropoidea primates possess several common characteristics, including a forward-facing eye position that provides depth perception, a fully rotatable shoulder joint, grasping hands and feet, and significantly enlarged brains as compared to other mammals. They exhibit a wide range of body sizes and shapes, from the small pygmy marmosets to the large gorillas and humans.
Behaviorally, Anthropoidea primates are known for their complex social structures, which are often hierarchical in nature. They are highly adaptable and display a range of locomotion patterns, from arboreal species that move through trees to terrestrial species that walk on the ground. Anthropoid primates are primarily omnivorous, with diets consisting of fruits, leaves, insects, small vertebrates, and occasionally meat.
In sum, Suborder Anthropoidea is a taxonomic classification that refers to the diverse group of monkeys, apes, and humans. They are characterized by their physical and behavioral features, including unique adaptations for climbing, grasping, and
