Perspectives in Primate Biology

The present volume is the result of a NATO Advanced Study Institute held in Montaldo, Turin (Italy), between the 7 and 19 June 1972. The aim of the Study Institute has been the development of a general philosophy for the science of Primatology. Lecturers were selected from those scientists deeply involved and interested in this field. The course intended to serve students and researchers using primates in medical and biological research, but especially those interested in the natural history of the group and in human biology. In the past the study of primates was largely limited to deter mine the origin of the human species. Today, however, interest in them extends far beyond this narrow focus. In terms of both prac tical human purposes and theoretical interests, the study of primate biology and behaviour is of ever increasing importance. Their close comparative relationships with man has proved of such great value to human biology and medicine that their numbers and kinds are quickly dwindling. For this reason, one of the main focuses of the A.S.I. was on their reproductive biology and conservation. During the meeting days a broad series of lectures on specific topics of comparative anatomy, physiology, endocrinology, repro ductive physiology, genetics and molecular biology, cytogenetics and behaviour were delivered by leading primatologists.

Inhalt
Embryogenesis in vitro: An Experimental Model for the Understanding of Reproductive Physiology and Development in Mammals.- in vitro Fertilization.- in vitro Capacitation of Epididymal Spermatozoa.- in vitro Maturation of Follicular Oocytes.- Discussion.- Summary.- Comparative Neuroanatomy of Prosimian Primates: Some Basic Concepts Bearing on the Evolution of Upright Locomotion.- Basic Structure of Nerve Tissue.- to the Problem.- Sensory Centers and Pathways Related to Posture.- The Cerebellum.- Motor Centers and Pathways.- Discussion and Summary.- Outline of a Primate Visual System.- Optical Characteristics of the Macaque Eye.- Structure and Activity of the Retina.- Optic Nerve.- Geniculo-Cortical Pathway.- Color Coding.- Beyond the Striate Cortex.- Retino-Tectal System.- Overview of the Macaque Visual System.- Comparisons with Other Primates.- The Study of Chromosomes.- The Importance of Chromosomes in Taxonomic and Phylogenetic Study.- How Chromosomes May Change in Number and in Morphology.- The Karyotype of Primates.- Chromosomes of the Prosimians.- Chromosomes of the New World Monkeys.- Chromosomes of the Old World Monkeys.- Chromosomes of the Anthrapoid Apes and the Origin of the Human Karyotype.- An Attempt to Revise the Classification of the Old World Monkeys and to Interpret Their Phylogenesis on the Basis of Karyological Data.- Immunogenetics of Primates.- Immunological Systems.- M Factor.- N Factor.- The Fhenotypes.- The Genetic Pattern.- Parantigens and Paratypes.- Histo-Compatibility Antigens.- Conclusion.- Comparative Virology in Primates.- Capture and Holding in Exporting Country.- Shipment.- Importation.- Virus Infections.- Conclusions.- Comparative Primate Learning and Its Contributions to Understanding Development, Play, Intelligence, and Language.- The Need for a Valid Comparative Behavioral Primatology and Psychology.- Social Behavior Primatology and Adult Competence.- Play: The Fountainhead of Competence and Creativity?.- The Evolution of Human Intelligence.- Qualitative Differences in Learning in Relation to Brain Development.- The Relative Intelligence of the Great Apes.- Individual Differences among Nonhuman Primates.- Readiness to Attend to Visual Foreground Clues: An Ecological Adaptation?.- Learning and Language.- Learning and Transmission of Proto-Cultural Behaviors.- Summary.- Principles of Primate Group Organization.- Numerical Data.- The Use of Space.- Social Mechanisms.- Role Analysis.- Group Function.- Nonhuman Primates: A Vulnerable Resource.- Users and Traders of Primate Animals.- Activities Supporting Resource Management and Control.- Economics and Politics of Conservation in Practice.- Appeal for Conservation of Nonhuman Primates.- List of Contributors.