The Evolution of Primates (Essay Sample)

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The Evolution of Primates
Earth is approximately 4.55 billion years old with the origin of life at least 3.5 billion years ago. Modern primates have evolved over time from forms that are more archaic since the first primates appeared 60 million years ago. Scientists examine primates’ evolution by studying the ecological conditions of the different evolution eras. By examining the Paleocene, Eocene, Oligocene and Miocene ecological condition, they can trace the evolutionary changes that led to the appearance of the first primates.
Paleocene epoch is the oldest of the Paleocene Period. It lasted 65-55 million years ago. It is directly after the Cretaceous Period. The interval between these two periods is the Cretaceous-Paleogene Boundary. The change of eras, Mesozoic to Cenozoic, resulted in the mass extinction of the fauna and flora resulting in unfilled ecological niches. Cretaceous period had cool, temperate and ice-free poles, but this period was cooler and dryer. The Equatorial areas had tropical climates while North America, South America, Europe and Australia had a temperate climate. The temperate climate gave rise to dense tropical, subtropical and deciduous forest. The first primates evolved from these conditions.
Plesiadapiforms are the primates’ ancestors, though some scientists dispute this considering them as a separate order entirely. These life forms were predominantly arboreal, living in and spending a majority of their life in canopies. As a result, they had to develop long arms and legs. They also developed claws and pads. Some developed long tails for balance