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How to Tell If a Fossil Is a Primate?

Primates are members of the group of mammals that includes monkeys, apes and man. Fossilized primates represent the earliest known remains of man's closest genetic relatives and are always highly prized finds. Although primates have several characteristics that distinguish them from other mammals, there is no overarching identifying feature, as there are exceptions to every rule. Fossils must be examined for a number of criteria, and the more that are present, the more likely the specimen is to be a primate.

Instructions

- 1
  Examine the hands and feet of the fossil. One key characteristic shared by most primates is that they have flat nails instead of claws at the end of their digits. The hands and feet should also be long and flexible enough to grip objects using opposable thumbs or big toes.
- 2
  Look for the presence of a collarbone, also known as a clavicle. The clavicle is present in most primates but is missing from many other mammals.
- 3
  Check the position of the eye sockets in the skull. Primates typically have binocular vision, with the eyes located in the front rather than on the sides of the head. A bony ring around the eye socket may also be present.
- 4
  Compare the size of the skull with the rest of the body. Primates have a larger brain-size-to-body-size ratio than other mammals.
- 5
  Count the number and type of teeth in the fossil. In a typical mammal, each quadrant of the mouth contains three incisors, one canine, four premolars and three molars, giving a dental formula of 3.1.4.3. Primates have a maximum of two incisors and three premolars.

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