Primates, including humans, apes, monkeys, and lemurs, have a variety of characteristics in brain size, diet, exercise, and habitat. Using insights from progress in primate genomics and studying the DNA of more than 500 primate species, scientists have discovered the genetic secrets behind their evolutionary success and ecological flexibility.
A global team of scientists, including leading researchers from CSIR-Centre, used in Hyderabad’s cellular and molecular biology (the conservation laboratory for endangered species), has made a breakthrough in understanding how primates have developed for millions of years.
The study, led by the lab of Govindhaswamy Umapathy at CCMB-LaCones, explores how genetic changes shape changes across primates—from brain development, body size to diet, vision, movement, movement and survival in extreme environments.
Primates show signs of rapid development of apes and monkeys relative to their size and genes associated with brain development, such as those associated with neurogenesis and signaling pathways. For example, capuchin monkeys with the largest brain-body ratio after humans have positive genes associated with brain growth.
From mouse lemurs (30g) to gorillas (200kg), body size also varies greatly. Genes such as “DUOX2” (associated with thyroid hormones) and growth hormone regulators (IGF genes) may affect size differences. Callitrichid (Marmosets and tamarins) evolved to smaller sizes through mutations in growth-related genes.
Early primates were nocturnal, but many groups turned to daytime activities, so diurnal primates like monkeys and apes lost their reflective eye layer (“tapetum lucidum”) for night vision, but gained better color vision. Tricolor vision (seeing red, green and blue) evolved in the monkeys and apes of the Old World through gene replication. Howler monkeys independently developed this feature.
Nocturnal primates, such as tarsiers and owl monkeys, have enlarged eyes and specialized genes that can be used in low-light vision. Monkeys and apes have lowered their scent, but they are still crucial for lemurs, which rely on communication and finding food odors.
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Gibbons waving trees have genes associated with the development of slender limbs and cartilage. Tarsiers, known for their vertical jumps, have genes that affect muscle growth and bone structure. Slow Lorises sneakily avoids predators, which have genetic mutations that reduce fast muscles, which are beneficial for energy-saving exercises. The loss of tails in apes and humans was associated with genetic changes and was verified in mouse experiments.
Genetic adaptability of dietary shapes, such as leaf-eating purple bin monkeys, fermented plants and repeated RNase1 genes to digest bacterial RNA. Primates that eat insects, such as tarsiers, have additional copies of the “chia” gene to break down insect exoskeletons. Bamboo lemurs and Lorises expand the antitoxic genes to deal with toxic plants. Taste receptors also adapt like fruits to detect sugar, while leaves can avoid bitter compounds to avoid toxins.
Primates in extreme environments show unique genetic characteristics. Orangutans in the food yeast region have genes related to fat metabolism and muscle efficiency. Ganges macaques in cold climates have evolved larger bodies and genes to produce calories. Nose monkeys living in high altitudes have mutations in genes such as hypoxia response. Limestone Ringer dogs in calcium-rich karst habitats are adapted by genetically regulating calcium absorption and joint flexibility.
Hybridization between species contributes to genetic diversity. Baboons in Tanzania inherited genes from three species, thus improving survival in drought conditions. The gray-nosed monkey comes from hybrids, fusing the colour of the coat from the parent species. Adaptive gene flow introduces beneficial traits such as immune genes in baboons and bitter receptors in gorillas that help survive in new environments.
The study reveals how genetic changes support primate diversity and helps understand the evolution and human origins needed to protect these species, as well as the steps required. The study, the “genomic basis for diversity and adaptability of non-human primates”, was published in the latest edition of the Nature Review Journal of Biodiversity.
publishing – April 15, 2025 02:08 AM IST
