What is Primatology?


Primatology is the study of the behavior, biology, evolution, and taxonomy of nonhuman primates. Primatologists are united by a common interest in study subjects, but not necessarily by uniformity in academic training. Strong intellectual traditions in primatology emerged after World War II in the US and Canada, Western Europe, and Japan. In the US, primatologists are usually trained as anthropologists, biologists, psychologists, or zoologists. Training affects the research questions asked, the research setting, and to some extent, possible career paths. Practicing primatologists benefit from skills acquired in advanced training in anthropology, biology, psychology, and philosophy. Primatologists work in a variety of settings including universities, primate research centers, laboratories, sanctuaries, and zoos.

For further information on primatology visit our Primatology Links page.

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