Both primates and this order of mammals exhibit similar rates of change in brain size over evolutionary time.

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Restating the question: 'Both primates and this order of mammals exhibit similar rates of change in brain size over evolutionary time.' The answer options are: Carnivores, Insectivores, Pinnipeds, Rodents.

Option 1: Carnivores. This choice asserts that the order Carnivora shows brain size evolution rates comparable to primates. It can be plausible because some studies suggest relatively rapid encephalization in certain carnivoran lineages during specific periods, leading to a perceived parallel in the pace of brain size changes with primates in some evolutionary windows. However, the claim may depend on the taxonomic scope and time frame considered, since different primate lineages and carnivoran subgroups can show varying rates.

Option 2: Insectivores. This group, which includes many small mammals with high basal metabolic rates and limited dietary specialization, is not typically highlighted as having parallel brain size evolutionary rates to primates. Insectivores often exhibit more constrained brain size changes compared to primates, making this option less likely to align with the stated similarity.

Option 3: Pinnipeds. Pinnipeds (seals, sea lions, walruses) are marine carnivorans with distinctive ecological niches and skull/brain adaptations related to aquatic life. While brain size evolution has occurred in pinnipeds, the literature more commonly emphasizes unique adaptations to aquatic foraging and sensory demands rather than a broad parallel pace with primates across evolutionary time, which makes this option a potential mismatch unless a specific comparative study is cited.

Option 4: Rodents. Rodents are a highly diverse order with substantial variation in brain size evolution across lineages. While some rodent groups have experienced notable brain size changes, the general, long-term rate of brain size evolution across rodents is not widely described as being parallel to that of primates, making this option less consistent with the stated claim.

In summary, the reasoning pivots on how broadly the comparison is meant to be interpreted: across broad timescales and many lineages, primates are often singled out for notable brain enlargement relative to body size. The option that best aligns with a noted parallel in evolutionary pace, given the provided answer key, is Carnivores, though one should be cautious about varying results across subgroups and time periods. The other options describe groups where brain size evolution does not consistently mirror the broad, comparative pace observed in primates across evolutionary history.

ANT 301 Unit Exam 3 - Primate Ecology and Behavior

Both primates and this order of mammals exhibit similar rates of change in brain size over evolutionary time.

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