The Primate Series aims to give a comparative view of a number of different primate species living under various conditions in captivity and in the wild.
The longer films compare some closely related animals, including subspecies, different species living in similar habitats, and animals of different families, such as monkeys and apes. This is done in order to let the observer see similarities caused by a common size, or close genetic relationship and compare these to more distantly related animals.
Having the opportunity to actually see primates moving in their natural habitats highlights the importance of specializations in locomotor systems, such as the long legs of vertical clinging and leaping primates, the long arms of brachiators, and the strong dexterous hands of arboreal quadrupeds.
Furthermore, watching the animals interact with each other emphasizes the subtlety of facial communication and the importance of kinesthetic movement. Does one animal respond to another's approach with retreat, defensiveness, or unconcern? Or, maybe with a groom invitation or a turned back?
The films also address group behavior. When food access is being contested, is the outcome based on individual relationships or on membership in a particular social class such as infant, female or dominant animal? Is food sharing common and peaceful, or involuntary and due to strategy and theft?
The films share an expanse of information, but the way that the videos were shot and edited also provides long uninterrupted sequences of behavior which can be used to study interactions, use of space, facial communication and role behaviors.