Which of the following is NOT one of the four defining features of primates?

Prepare for the University of Toronto ANT100Y1 Introduction to Anthropology Midterm Test. Enhance your understanding with multiple-choice questions and detailed explanations. Get ready for success in your anthropology exam!

The defining features of primates include adaptations that are functional for their lifestyle and ecological niche. Grasping hands and feet facilitate climbing and manipulation of objects, which is crucial for activities like foraging and locomotion in trees. The presence of a collarbone (clavicle) adds flexibility to the shoulder joint, enhancing movement and stability, while forward-facing eyes allow for binocular vision, improving depth perception—an essential trait for a species that often navigates a three-dimensional arboreal environment.

Sharp claws, however, are not a characteristic feature of primates. While some primates may have adaptations resembling claws, most have evolved to have flat nails instead, which enhance grip and tactile sensitivity rather than sharpness for digging or tearing. Therefore, the inclusion of sharp claws does not align with the core traits that define primate evolution and behavior.

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