Observations on the geographic variation and skeletal development of Aotus.

The geographic pattern of coat color and craniometric variation were examined in Aotus. The coat color and pattern permitted recognition of the geographic origin of night monkeys from many parts of Latin America. The geographic pattern of craniometric variation differed from the pattern of phenotypic variation and led the authors to doubt the validity and usefulness of the currently recognized subspecific classification. Tooth eruption and bone ossification were studied in a sample of Aotus skeletons. Tentative criteria were presented for judging the ages of night monkeys by visual examination of their teeth or by x-ray of their teeth or bones.