Which category do humans belong to within the primate classification?

Humans belong to the category of Catarrhines within the primate classification. This group includes Old World monkeys and apes, which have distinct evolutionary traits. Catarrhines are characterized by their downward-facing nostrils, as well as specific dental and skeletal features that differentiate them from other primates. Humans specifically fall under the subcategory of hominoids, which includes apes.

In contrast, Platyrrhines are often referred to as New World monkeys, and they are primarily found in South and Central America. Tarsiiformes refer to a group that includes tarsiers and are considered a more primitive branch within the primate family. New World monkeys are distinct from Catarrhines, mainly due to their geographical habitat and certain biological traits. Thus, humans' placement as Catarrhines is accurate as it reflects our closest phylogenetic relationship to old world primates and apes.