Taxonomy Bibliography
BOOKS
Fleagle, John C. Primate Adaptation and Evolution.
New York: Academic Press, 1988.
- This college level text includes many
details about primate anatomy and ecology. It introduces the living
species and outlines their taxonomic relationships. A good source for
nearly up-to-date information on fossil primates, including humans.
Kavanaugh, Michael. A Complete Guide to Monkeys, Apes and
Other Primates. New York: Viking Press, 1984.
- This book contains photos of every living
primate genus known in 1983; includes maps showing geographical ranges for
most primates listed; and contains an appendix of taxonomic primate classification.
Probably the most readable of the taxonomy texts.
Monkeys and Apes. Harlow, Essex, England: Longman, 1985.
- This field guide has illustrations of most
species, accompanied by brief descriptions of each, with information on
geographical ranges, social behavior, and average size of each animal.
Napier, J. R. and P. H. Napier. Handbook of Living Primates:
Morphology, Ecology and Behaviour of Nonhuman Primates. London,
New York: Academic Press, 1967.
- Although some of the taxonomic names have
changed since this book was published, it contains useful information on
reproduction and development, ecology, anatomy and geographical ranges.
Napier, J. R. and P. H. Napier. The Natural History of the Primates.
Cambridge, Mass.: MIT Press, 1985.
- This book provides sections on anatomical
structure and function, social behavior and human evolution. The taxonomic
section is illustrated with many color and black- and-white photos, and
includes concise information on the geographic range, diet, reproduction and
anatomy of most living primates.
Napier, Prue. Monkeys and Apes. New York: Grosset and Dunlap,
1972.
- This readable book includes the characteristics
that define a primate, and information on the variety of environments in which
primates live. Notes on the geographical range and ecology of many primate species
are included, as well as some information about social behavior. Although some of
the information is outdated, this is still a good source book for writing reports
on primates.
Ranger Rick's Naturescope: Amazing Mammals, Part I. Washington
DC: National Wildlife Federation, 1988.
- This book provides a general introduction to
mammals, discussing the characteristics of what makes a mammal a mammal, how
mammals grow up and stay alive, and how humans have influenced the lives of
all other mammals. The text includes numerous drawings and suggests activities.
Ranger Rick's Naturescope: Amazing Mammals, Part II.
Washington DC: National Wildlife Federation, 1989.
- This book takes up where Part I ends,
highlighting the behavior and individual qualities of animals within the
Mammalia order. Page 3-12 deals specifically with the primates. Drawings
and activities are included.
Tylinek, Erich (photos) and Gotthart Berger (text). Monkeys and Apes.
New York: Arco Pub., 1985.
- There are large colorful photos of many
species, but nearly all are of animals in captivity. Taxonomy goes to the
subspecies level for several primates. The author also examines the
relationship between humans and other primates.
AUDIOVISUAL MATERIAL
Animal Evolution: Primate Evolution. Produced by
Denoyer-Geppert Audio-Visuals, Times Mirror, 5235 Ravenswood Avenue,
Chicago, IL 60640. Distributed by Educational Images, PO Box 3456,
Elmira, NY 14905. (20 color slides w/ script: 1975)
- This slide set considers primate
classification and its relationship to primate evolution. It describes
the probable primate ancestors and names contemporary primates that resemble
them. It examines the effect of arboreal life on early primates and considers
several adaptations which have resulted, concluding with a discussion of
ground-living primates. Recommended for grades 6-12, though some of the
material is dated.
Life In The Trees, A. Produced by BBC, 630 Fifth Ave.,
New York, NY 10020. Distributed by Films Inc., 5547 N. Ravenswood Ave.,
Chicago, IL 60640. (3/4" or 1/2" videotape; col., sd.; 58 min.: 1981)
- Part of the Life on Earth series hosted
by David Attenborough, this program explores the evolution of primates in
a wide range of geographic areas, and explains the significance of the
primate traits of binocular vision and grasping hands as suited to life
in the trees. Despite its lengthy running time, this program is well
produced and likely to engage a student's interest.
Monkeys and Apes: An Introduction to the Primates. Produced by
Paul Burnford Film Productions, 9417 W. Pico Blvd., Los Angeles, CA. Distributed
by Phoenix/BFA Films and Video; 470 Park Ave S., New York, NY 10016, (800) 221-1274
(VHS; col., sd.; 11 min.: 1965)
- Where do primates live? How do they move
through the threes? What kinds of food do they eat? The answers to these
questions for more than 10 species of monkeys and apes are given in a lively
format. Recommended for grades 3-6.
Monkeys, Apes and Man. Produced by National Geographic
Society and Wolper Productions. Distributed by the National Geographic
Society. (VHS; col., sd.; 52 min.: 1971)
- Beginning with the Scopes monkey trail,
this program examines the relationships between humans and the rest of the
primates through an introduction to primate behavior. The work of primatologists
such as Jane Goodall, Dian Fossey and Harry Harlow is introduced. Primate studies,
including observations on swimming and food washing by Japanese macaques; responses
of chimpanzees to a mechanical leopard; thumb-sucking in infant rhesus macaques;
and tool use by chimpanzees, are shown. The material on humans may seem very dated
to students, but still useful for grades 9-12.
