Primates in Question (Smithsonian Answer Book Series): The Smithsonian Answer Book

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.

Shumaker and Beck, both of the Smithsonian's National Zoological Park, answer frequently asked questions they receive about primates. Answers are given in laymen's language, but are detailed enough to satisfy the curiosity of the general reader. Chapters look at primates in general, social behavior, intelligence, and conservation. Numerous color photographs of the creatures in question accompany their answers. Annotation ©2004 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR

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.