Primates, which include humans, apes, monkeys and lemurs, are several features such as brain size, diet, locomotion and habitat. Using ideas of recent advances in primates genomics and studying DNA or around 500 species of primates, scientists have discovered genetic secrets behind their evolutionary success and ecological flexibility.
A global team of scientists, including key researchers of the CSIR-Centre for the lacons of cell and molecular biology (laboratory for the conservation of endangered species) in Hyderabad, has made a great advance in the understanding of the YARARARS.
Directed in India by the Laboratory of Govindhaswamy UMATHY in CCMB-Lacones, the research study explored how genetic changes shape the variety observed between primates from brain development and body size to diet, vision, movement and survival.
Primates have huge brains in relation to the size of their body and genes linked to brain development, such as the theme involved in neurogenesis and signaling pathways, show signs of rapid evolution in apes and monkeys. For example, Kapuchin monkeys, who have the greatest body relationship after humans, have genes under a positive selection relationship with brain growth.
The body size also varies widely, from mouse lemurs (30 grams) to Gorilas (200 kilograms). Genes such as ‘Duox2’ (linked to thyroid hormones) and growth hormone regulators (IGF genes) probably influenced size differences. Callitrichids (titi and tamarinos) evolved smaller sizes through mutations in growth -related genes.
The first were nocturnal, but many groups changed to daytime activity, so diurnal primates, such as monkeys and apes, lost the reflective ocular layer (‘Tapetum lucidum’) for the vision of winning night vision color. Tricromatic vision (seeing red, green and blue) evolved in the monkeys and apes of the Old World through the duplication of genes. The howmers independently developed this trait.
Night primates, such as tarseros and owl monkeys, have enlarged eyes and specialized genes for a vision of little light. The smell decreased in monkeys and apes, but remains critical for lemurs, which depend on the aroma for communication and food search.
Adaptation
The gibones, who swing through trees (brachiation), have genes linked to elongated limb and cartilage development. Tarseros, known for the vertical jump, transport genes that affect muscle growth and bone structure. Slow Loras, who move stealthily to avoid predators, have mutations in genes that reduce fast muscles, favoring the energy efficiency movement. The loss of queues in apes and humans is linked to genetic changes and is validated in mice experiments.
Diet -shaped genetic adaptations, such as the colobin monkeys of the leaf, evolved stomachs for fermenting plants and duplicate rn genes to digest bacterial harness. Insect eighting primates, such as tarseros, have additional copies of the ‘Chia’ gene to break insect exoskeletons. Bamboo lemurs and loriza extended detoxification genes to process toxic plants. Flavor receptors also adapted as fruit consumers to detect sugars, while leaf dining rooms detect bitter compounds to avoid toxins.
Primates in extreme environments showed unique genetic features. Orangutans in food shortage regions have genes linked to fat metabolism and muscle efficiency. Rhesus macaques in cold climates evolved larger bodies and genes for heat production. Monkeys without a desais living at high altitudes have mutations in the genes for the hypoxia response, etc. Limestone Languos in karst habitats rich in calcium adapted through genes that regulate calcium absorption and joint flexibility.
The interleaved between species contributed to genetic diversity. Babuinos in Tanzania inherited genes of three species, improving survival in arid conditions. Gray monkeys with clouds emerged from hybridization, combining the colors of the matrices species. The flow of adaptive genes introduced beneficial features such as immune genes in babouins and bitter taste receptors in gorillas, which helps survival in new environments.
Research has revealed how genetic changes support the diversity of primates and helps to understand human evolution and origins, and the necessary steps to conserve these species, said SR.Mapathy. The study, ‘basic genomic of diversity and adaptation of non -human primates’, was published in the latest edition of Nature Reviews Biodiversity Journal.
Published – April 15, 2025 02:08 am ist
