What dispersal mechanism is hypothesized for the haplorhine ancestor reaching South America?
Answer
Rafting across the Atlantic Ocean on large mats of vegetation.
The establishment of New World monkeys in South America is traced back to a dispersal event involving an early haplorhine ancestor. The prominent, though debated, hypothesis suggests this ancestor navigated the Atlantic Ocean by rafting, potentially utilizing substantial rafts composed of vegetation or detached landmasses. This crucial event is estimated to have occurred approximately 35 to 40 million years ago, providing the foundation for the subsequent rapid diversification into the various platyrrhine families found in the Americas today.
Related Questions
What dispersal mechanism is hypothesized for the haplorhine ancestor reaching South America?What defining function does the powerful prehensile tail of the woolly monkey enable during feeding?Which specific family includes *Lagothrix* alongside spider monkeys and howler monkeys?What environmental factor likely drove the evolutionary advantage of the woolly monkey's thick, dense fur?What characteristic of *Lagothrix* locomotion contrasts with the more agile spider monkey (*Ateles*)?What life history feature imposes a significant evolutionary constraint on woolly monkey population recovery?What specific anatomical structure on the prehensile tail enhances its gripping sensitivity?What speciation mechanism is evidenced by the varied geographic ranges of *Lagothrix* species?Which recognized species of woolly monkey is specifically noted in the taxonomy summary as Critically Endangered?What future evolutionary selection pressure might arise if *Lagothrix* is forced into small, fragmented reserves?