Perspectives and prospects

Abstract The study of the nonhuman primates offers great opportunities for the development of an experimental anthropology. Whether one is concerned with variations in sutures, in locomotor patterns or the distribution of genetic polymorphisms, study of the nonhuman primates may offer clues. Whether one is interested in adaptation to desert, to tropic heat, or to cold, the nonhuman primate offers a far greater range of variations than man. For many problems they are the laboratory animals of choice, and their exploitation is necessary if we are ever to have an experimental physical anthropology. Interest in the nonhuman primates brings us into touch with many other sciences, as has been shown at this symposium. But I would particularly stress how it strengthens the relations of the parts of anthropology. The social system, communication, learning, these problems are important to all of anthropology, and the study of evolution, and particularly of our nearest relatives, has much to offer to the understanding of man and his behaviors.