What is one proposed advantage of the angiosperm radiation hypothesis in primate evolution?

The angiosperm radiation hypothesis suggests that the evolution of flowering plants, or angiosperms, during the Cretaceous period had a significant impact on primate evolution, particularly in terms of diet. This hypothesis posits that the diversification and availability of fruits and other plant resources provided an important food source for primates, which were starting to emerge around this time.

One key advantage of this hypothesis is that it connects the evolution of primates to specific ecological changes in their environment. As flowering plants increased in variety and abundance, primates that were able to exploit these new food sources—such as fruits—gained a dietary advantage. This shift in dietary availability is thought to have influenced not only the physical adaptations of primates but also their behaviors, social structures, and overall evolution.

In this context, an emphasis on dietary changes due to fruit availability aligns closely with the angiosperm radiation hypothesis, making it a compelling explanation for how plant evolution could directly impact primate development and diversification.