Primates in Question: The Smithsonian Answer Book [Paperback]

Robert W. Shumaker (Author), Benjamin B. Beck (Author), Gerry Ellis (Photographer)

Book Description

Publication Date: November 17, 2003

The mysterious and often unpredictable world of primates is explained by Smithsonian scientists in a question-and-answer format. Primates in Question, part of the Smithsonian's popular “In Question” series, is a comprehensive response to the many thousands of calls and letters the Smithsonian receives regarding questions related to monkeys, apes, lemurs, tamarins, and their relatives. What are primates? How closely related are humans to other primates? How strong is a gorilla? Why do primates spend so much time grooming? Why can't apes talk? These and almost 100 other questions are addressed with clear, thorough answers, accompanied by beautiful color photographs.

Editorial Reviews

Review

“This book belongs in all libraries, and on the bookshelves of everyone with an interest in our closest relative.”—Jane Goodall

About the Author

Robert Shumaker is director of the orangutan “Think Tank” at the Smithsonian's National Zoo. Benjamin B. Beck is a primatologist and former associate director of the Smithsonian's National Zoo. Gerry Ellis is an award-winning photographer whose credits include Natural History, Audubon, and National Geographic magazines.

Product Details

• Paperback: 256 pages
• Publisher: Smithsonian Books (November 17, 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1588341763
• ISBN-13: 978-1588341761
• Product Dimensions: 7 x 0.5 x 10 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.3 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,822,433 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4.0 out of 5 stars Great Overview of Primates, January 13, 2012

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Wherethepeachesgrow (St. Louis) - See all my reviews

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This review is from: Primates in Question: The Smithsonian Answer Book (Paperback)

This book is a great casual read to learn about primates. It is appropriate for older children and adults. It has many full color photographs, charts of primate taxonomy, and diagrams explaining evolutionary ancestry. Topics in the book range from "Why do some primates have swollen rears?" to "Which primates have culture?".