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.

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.

Reviews
"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
"[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
"This is an admirable book, ready to be enjoyed by primate specialists and general readers alike."---Mark Terry, American Biology Teacher
"Primatologists and biological anthropologists-whether just starting out or well into their careers-will have an interest in this work."---E.J. Sargis, CHOICE
"[A] comprehensive and incredibly accessible book." * Inquisitive Biologist *



Book Information
ISBN 9780691143644
Author Alfred L. Rosenberger
Format Hardback
Page Count 368
Imprint Princeton University Press
Publisher Princeton University Press