Groves proposes a complete taxonomic overhaul of the living primates, reviewing the history and practice of their classification and providing an up-to-date synthesis of recent molecular and phylogenetic research. Species-by-species accounts review the recent history of each group and offers many new taxonomic arrangements, with several former subspecies being elevated to full species status. Groves contends that the taxonomic designation of individual species is the starting point for conservation, and that the taxonomy of living species is critical to understanding evolutionary relationships.
`Colin Groves tackles an extremely complex subject and, with the expertise of a detective, explores every aspect of taxonomy. His introduction is lively and entertaining, and he takes us with him on an investigation of ancient scientific controversies....Primate Taxonomy will be an essential reference volume.' Jane Goodall