Revisit the themes from Virtual Exploration: What Is a Species? (Chapter 4).

Use those concepts to examine the macaque radiation in the context of speciation theory and what this means for macaque behavior, ecology and conservation. Visit the overview macaque site to get an idea of what all of the different species of macaques look like. Then learn more about five species of macaques. Finally, answer questions about what you have learned.

Overview
http://pin.primate.wisc.edu/factsheets/links/macaca#cons

Five Species of Macaques

Stump-Tailed
http://pin.primate.wisc.edu/factsheets/entry/stump-tailed_macaque

Long-Tailed
http://pin.primate.wisc.edu/factsheets/entry/long-tailed_macaque

Rhesus
http://pin.primate.wisc.edu/factsheets/entry/rhesus_macaque

Pigtail
http://pin.primate.wisc.edu/factsheets/entry/pigtail_macaque

Crested Black
http://pin.primate.wisc.edu/factsheets/entry/crested_black_macaque

Think about: What are the major differences between these macaque species?

1			The rhesus and long-tailed macaques overlap in their distribution. They can interbreed successfully and do so in the wild. Are they two species or one? Why? Support you answer.
2			Why is the crested black macaque so different form the other species you reviewed?
3			Macaques are an important genus for understanding conservation issues even though most species of the genus are not endangered. Why is this statement correct? What can we learn by looking at their distribution, behavior and ecology?