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Multiple Choice
Which of the following primates has a honing complex with a diastema?
A
Chimpanzee (Pan troglodytes)
B
Tarsier (Tarsius syrichta)
C
Human (Homo sapiens)
D
Gibbon (Hylobates lar)
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand the term 'honing complex': A honing complex refers to the presence of large, sharp canines that are maintained by a process of honing against the lower premolars. This is often accompanied by a diastema, which is a gap in the opposing jaw to accommodate the large canines.
Review the anatomy of the listed primates: Chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes) are known to have a honing complex with a diastema, which is used for social signaling and defense. Humans (Homo sapiens) lack this feature due to evolutionary changes in dentition. Tarsiers (Tarsius syrichta) and gibbons (Hylobates lar) also lack a honing complex and diastema.
Compare the dentition of each primate: Chimpanzees have large canines and a diastema, which are characteristic of the honing complex. Humans have smaller canines and no diastema. Tarsiers and gibbons have dentition adapted for their specific diets but do not exhibit a honing complex.
Relate the honing complex to evolutionary adaptations: The presence of a honing complex in chimpanzees is linked to their social and ecological behaviors, such as competition and display. The absence of this feature in humans reflects dietary and behavioral shifts during human evolution.
Conclude that the correct answer is Chimpanzee (Pan troglodytes), as they are the only primates in the list with a honing complex and diastema.