New World Monkeys - by Alfred L Rosenberger (Hardcover)

About the Book

"This book is a broad synthesis of new world monkey evolution, integrating their unique evolutionary story into the bigger picture of primate evolution and Amazon biodiversity. Capsule For more than 30 million years, New World monkeys have inhabited the forests of South and Central America. Whether these primates originally came from Africa by rafting across the Atlantic or crossing overland from North America, they soon flourished. This book tells the story of these New World monkeys. Integrating data from fossil and living animals, it explores the evolution of the three major New World monkey lineages as well as how they fit into the broader story of primate evolution and Amazon biodiversity. After providing readers with necessary background in primate taxonomy and systematics, Rosenberger shows that the notion of adaptive zones is central to our understanding of primate evolution. The idea of adaptive zones can explain how radiations evolve, morphological adaptations appear, and communities form. From here, Rosenberger synthesizes what is known about New World monkeys' unique ecological adaptations, including those involving feeding and locomotion, as well as their social behaviour. The book's concluding chapters explore theories of how primates first arrived in South America and what their future looks like given the threat of extinction. Biography Internal Use Only Alfred L. Rosenberger is Professor Emeritus of Biological Anthropology at Brooklyn College. An expert on the origin and evolution of New World Monkeys, Rosenberger has contributed numerous articles in edited volumes and his work is published in journals such as Nature, Journal of Human Evolution and American Journal of Primatology . Audience The audience for this book is scholars and graduate students in biological/physical anthropolog and primatology, and to a lesser extent conservation biology, evolutionary biology, and behavioral ecology . Rationale - no copy text Other Relevant Info - no copy text"--

Book Synopsis

A comprehensive account of the origins, evolution, and behavior of South and Central American primates

New World Monkeys brings to life the beauty of evolution and biodiversity in action among South and Central American primates, who are now at risk. These tree-dwelling rainforest inhabitants display an unparalleled variety in size, shape, hands, feet, tails, brains, locomotion, feeding, social systems, forms of communication, and mating strategies. Primatologist Alfred Rosenberger, one of the foremost experts on these mammals, explains their fascinating adaptations and how they came about.

New World Monkeys provides a dramatic picture of the sixteen living genera of New World monkeys and a fossil record that shows that their ancestors have lived in the same ecological niches for up to 20 million years--only to now find themselves imperiled by the extinction crisis. Rosenberger also challenges the argument that these primates originally came to South America from Africa by floating across the Atlantic on a raft of vegetation some 45 million years ago. He explains that they are more likely to have crossed via a land bridge that once connected Western Europe and Canada at a time when many tropical mammals transferred between the northern continents.

Based on the most current findings, New World Monkeys offers the first synthesis of decades of fieldwork and laboratory and museum research conducted by hundreds of scientists.

Review Quotes

"[A] comprehensive and incredibly accessible book."-- "Inquisitive Biologist"

"[A] great primer for individuals who are new to primatology, but also a thought-provoking read for seasoned researchers who will benefit fromhis 'big picture' view of the platyrrhine radiation."---Leila M. Porter, The Quarterly Review of Biology

"Finalist for the PROSE Award in Biological Anthropology, Ancient History, and Archaeology, Association of American Publishers"

"I highly recommend this book to everybody interested in New World monkeys, be it scientists, students in all stages of their scientific training or informed laymen. I am convinced that the controversial issues raised in this book will stimulate further research, bringing the 'evolutionary odyssey' closer to a safe harbour of knowledge."---Eckhard W. Heymann, Primate Biology

"Primatologists and biological anthropologists--whether just starting out or well into their careers--will have an interest in this work."---E.J. Sargis, CHOICE

"This is an admirable book, ready to be enjoyed by primate specialists and general readers alike."---Mark Terry, American Biology Teacher

About the Author

Alfred L. Rosenberger is professor emeritus of anthropology and archaeology at Brooklyn College and the City University of New York Graduate Center. His work has been published in Nature and in many other scientific journals and books.