Adaptive Profile Versus Adaptive Specialization: Fossils and Gummivory in Early Primate Evolution

摘要: Gummivory, a rare dietary habit among modern primates, has figured prominently in interpretations of the earliest primates (plesiadapiforms) largely on basis morphological analogy with sugar gliders, and it also been proposed as key adaptation pertaining to early strepsirrhines (Adapis, Leptadapis) origins toothcomb, partly by marmosets. In reexamining these hypotheses, is important consider following: distinguish gum-gouging from gum-gleaning; assess adaptive compromise preadaptation; examine system-wide linkages between gum harvesting collateral behaviors relating diet; reevaluate correspondence purported analogs; empirically evaluate tooth wear, perhaps most direct signal gouging behavior. A distinction drawn facultative gummivory part species’ Adaptive Profile obligate an Specialization, testability both notions. Using marmosets stringent behavioral model primate gummivore – exhibiting distinctive functional suite features evidence heavy upper lower anterior wear none test cases present cogent examples adaptation. The glider Petaurus breviceps differs morphology wear; they appear be gum-gleaners. derived “gracilization” incisors all living extinct, possibly indicative obligatorily folivorous ancestry, may have ­preadaptive shift socio-sexual biological roles use, presaging toothcomb’s evolution grooming procumbent, often styliform, large many plesiadapiforms served precision probes pincers for primitive face-feeding that likely lacked advanced hand–eye coordination euprimates. Working uppers beak-like fashion, would probably well suited ingesting small seeds, prelude full-blown coevolutionary relationship established euprimates angiosperms latter evolved diverse array larger more fleshy fruits. Then non-tarsiiform discriminating eyes, touch-sensitive prehensile hands, mobile athletic bodies, versatile front teeth, could reinvent themselves unique mammalian guild arboreal frugivores folivores.