Most primates rely more on visual stimuli and less on olfactory stimuli than do other mammals. Which of the following is one line of evidence for this?
A) Primates have more complex eyes than do other mammals.
B) Primate olfactory apparatuses are highly specialized, especially in diurnal primates.
C) Primates have more optic nerves than do other mammals.
D) The primate visual sense is highly developed while the olfactory apparatus is reduced, especially in diurnal primates.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The fact that primates rely more on visual stimuli and less on olfactory stimuli is supported by the observation that the primate visual sense is highly developed while the olfactory apparatus is reduced, especially in diurnal primates. Therefore, option D is the best choice. Options A, B, and C are incorrect because they do not provide evidence for the relative importance of visual and olfactory stimuli in primates. While primate eyes may be more complex than those of other mammals, this does not necessarily mean that primates rely more on visual stimuli. Similarly, the specialization of primate olfactory apparatuses does not necessarily indicate that olfactory stimuli are more important for primates compared to other mammals. The number of optic nerves also does not provide evidence for the relative importance of visual and olfactory stimuli.

Most Primates Rely More on Visual Stimuli and Less on Olfactory