Chapter 16, Problem 10A

Summary Introduction

To analyze:

The hypothesis behind the reason primate fossils haven’t been found in Antarctica.

Introduction:

Primates belong to the kingdom animalia, phylum chordata and class mammalia. These primates share the biological characteristics and several behavioral features which indicate that they have been evolved from some common ancestors. Primates are a group of mammals that includes humans, apes, lemurs, monkeys, etc. Primates have a large brain as compared to other animals. And because they have a large brain, they have the capacity to reason. For example, humans.

Explanation of Solution

Primate fossils haven’t been found on Antarctica as Antarctica from the other continents splits early before the primates start to evolve. Due to which the primates were left with no way of getting into Antarctica. Meaning that continents had separated from each other by the end of the Cretaceous period, but primates haven’t been found on Antarctica as after many millions of years primates evolved.

Conclusion

Therefore, primate fossils haven’t been found in Antarctica as Antarctica split before primates started to evolve. Due to which, the primates were left with no way of getting into Antarctica.