What did Cuvier influence in the field of primate paleontology?

Cuvier significantly influenced the field of primate paleontology by shaping questions regarding primate evolution, particularly through his work in comparative anatomy and his development of the concept of catastrophism. He posited that species extinction occurred due to catastrophic events, which led to the gradual appearance of new species over time. This perspective prompted scientists to consider how environmental changes and extinction events could affect the evolutionary pathways of primates. His contributions laid foundational ideas for later discussions about the evolution of primates, helping researchers to explore how species adapted through time and the evolutionary relationships between extinct and extant primates.

While Cuvier's work did not directly classify living primates or identify new fossil discoveries, his analytical approach encouraged a scientific inquiry into the lineage and evolution of primates, making it a crucial element in understanding their paleontological history.