Post-16 Primate ancestry activity
This activity allows students to explore the evolutionary relationships between humans and other primates.
It encourages students to think critically about primate species, their evolutionary history, and their relatedness to humans. The task gets participants to place seven primate species in order, from the least to the most related to humans. By doing so, students gain insight into shared evolutionary traits, common ancestors, and the classification of primates within the binomial system.
The learning resources also emphasises the importance of understanding primate behaviour, social grouping, and communication, offering a deeper connection between human psychology and our closest evolutionary relatives. This is a great resource for developing a student's understanding of evolutionary biology and primate taxonomy while encouraging analytical thinking.
Learning Outcomes
-
Develop a clear understanding of primate ancestry and evolutionary relatedness.
-
Explore the evolutionary timeline of primates and their classification.
-
Understand the significance of common ancestors and shared traits between humans and other primates.
Curriculum Links
-
Psychology: Human and animal behaviour, social organisation, evolutionary psychology.
-
Science: Evolutionary biology, genetics, primate classification.