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5.7: Modern Primate Museum

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  • Page ID
    138526

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    A stylized 3D model of a small monkey clinging to a branch with a neutral background.
    See tarsiers in a virtual museum of anthropology. Chan, Keith. (2021). Tarsier [Illustration]. Used under Creative Commons 0: Public Domain Dedication.
    • Format: In person or online
    • Time needed: ~30 minutes

    Learning Objectives

    • Identify scale models of modern primates
    • Examine traits of modern primates
    • Infer the adaptations of modern primates

    Supplies Needed

    • Computer, smartphone, or VR goggles (optimal)
    • Internet connection
    • AnVRopomotron.com
    • Worksheet (attached)

    Readings

    • Etting, Stephanie. 2019. Chapter 5: Meet the Living Primates. Explorations.

    Introduction

    In this activity we will look at exhibits in AnVRopomotron.com, an online virtual anthropology museum created by Dr. Keith Chan. Our focus will be on modern primates: examining their skulls and other physical traits. Students will answer questions by finding information presented in the virtual museum along with their own thinking about the lives of primates living today, based on lectures and readings.

    AnVRopomotron can be viewed on web browsers in a variety of devices with different control schemes. A computer with a mouse and keyboard will provide a good experience. A smartphone with touch controls is less ideal due to the small screen. A virtual reality headset with touch controls is optimal when virtual reality goggles are available.

    Steps

    1. Students could work individually or in teams, but be sure to each take turns in order to experience the museum if working in a group.
    2. Part 1: Students load the AnVRopomotron website and use their controls to go right and behind the wall to the “Grab Lab.” Students should browse the two tables from the right, “Modern Hominid Skulls” and “Modern Prosimian and Monkey Skulls.” They can interact with each object to bring up info boxes to help them answer the questions on the worksheet.
    3. Part 2: Students will leave the “Grab Lab,” walk past the Height Chart, and into the Scale Model Hall. That section has models of modern primates, including tarsiers, gorillas, and a howler monkey. More orange orbs bring up information on each species to help students answer the questions on the worksheet.

    Review Questions

    The activity allows students to visualize prehistoric primates in a way that is connected to their own perception and exploration. Here are some areas to direct a discussion at the conclusion of this lab:

    1. Discuss traits that the primates share in common and how they differ.
    2. What was surprising about the traits of the skulls and the scale models?
    3. What are some examples of primate adaptations to specific environments?

    Adapting for Online Learning

    If applicable, include tips and suggestions on how to adapt this lab for online learning: Students could browse the exhibits and answer the questions on their own using their own device.

    Tips and Suggestions

    Browse the AnVRopomotron.com site on your own to get used to the controls and the layout of the museum. Students into gaming should be able to pick up the controls quickly but others may need help.

    References

    1. Etting, Stephanie. 2019. “Chapter 5: Meet the Modern Primates.” Explorations: An Open Invitation to Biological Anthropology, edited by Beth Shook, Katie Nelson, Kelsie Aguilera, and Lara Braff. Arlington, VA: American Anthropological Association. http://explorations.americananthro.org/

    This page titled 5.7: Modern Primate Museum was last modified on Fri, 03 Jul 2026 04:39:08 GMT and is shared under a CC BY-NC 4.0 license and was authored, remixed, and/or curated by Keith Chan via source content that was edited to the style and standards of the LibreTexts platform.