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Tomizawa Y, Nakatsukasa M, Ponce de León MS, Zollikofer CPE, Morimoto N. Shaft structure of the first metatarsal contains a strong phylogenetic signal in apes and humans. AMERICAN JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL ANTHROPOLOGY 2024; 185:e24987. [PMID: 38922796 DOI: 10.1002/ajpa.24987] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2023] [Revised: 03/29/2024] [Accepted: 06/03/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Metatarsal bones constitute a key functional unit of the foot in primates. While the form-function relationships of metatarsals have been extensively studied, particularly in relation to the loss of the grasping ability of the foot in humans in contrast to apes, the effect of phyletic history on the metatarsal morphology and its variability remains largely unknown. MATERIALS AND METHODS Here, we evaluate how the strength of the phylogenetic signal varies from the first to the fifth metatarsal in humans, chimpanzees, gorillas, orangutans, gibbons, and Japanese macaques. We use computed tomography imaging and morphometric mapping to quantify the second moment of area around and along the metatarsal shaft and evaluate the strength of the phylogenetic signal with multivariate K-statistics. RESULTS The shaft structure of the first metatarsal, but not the others, correlates well with the phylogeny of apes and humans. DISCUSSION Given the importance of the first metatarsal for grasping and bipedal/quadrupedal locomotion, the strong phylogenetic but weak functional signal in its structure is unexpected. These findings suggest that the evolutionary diversification of hominoid locomotor behaviors, including human bipedality, is only partly reflected in form-function relationships of key skeletal elements, and that phylogenetic history acted as a major evolutionary constraint.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuma Tomizawa
- Laboratory of Physical Anthropology, Graduate School of Science, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Masato Nakatsukasa
- Laboratory of Physical Anthropology, Graduate School of Science, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | | | | | - Naoki Morimoto
- Laboratory of Physical Anthropology, Graduate School of Science, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
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Fannin LD, Thayer ZM, Dominy NJ. Commemorating the monkey bars, catalyst of debate at the intersection of human evolutionary biology and public health. Evol Med Public Health 2024; 12:143-155. [PMID: 39282242 PMCID: PMC11400842 DOI: 10.1093/emph/eoae017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2024] [Revised: 08/08/2024] [Indexed: 09/18/2024] Open
Abstract
Play is an essential part of childhood, and growing attention has focused on the potential health benefits of 'risky' or 'thrill-seeking' play. Such play behavior is readily observed on any playground, where it can sometimes lead to injuries--most often from fall impacts--that require medical attention. Monkey bars account for ~7% of childhood arm fractures in the USA, an alarming statistic that raises difficult questions over its costs and benefits. Many authors view monkey bars as a public health hazard, but it is plausible that our childhood impulse toward thrill-seeking play is a result of selective pressures throughout our primate evolutionary history. Indeed, emerging evidence suggests that the developmental benefits of thrill-seeking play extend into adulthood, outweighing the occasional costs of injury. Disparate and consequential, these dueling perspectives have fueled debate among health professionals and policymakers, but with little attention to the work of biological anthropologists. Here we call attention to the hominin fossil record and play behaviors of non-human primates, providing a novel perspective that bolsters arguments for the adaptive significance of thrill-seeking play. The moment for such a review is timely, for it commemorates the centennial anniversaries of two playground icons: the jungle gym and monkey bars.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luke D Fannin
- Department of Anthropology, Dartmouth College, Hanover, NH, USA
- Graduate Program in Ecology, Evolution, Environment, and Society, Dartmouth College, Hanover, NH, USA
| | - Zaneta M Thayer
- Department of Anthropology, Dartmouth College, Hanover, NH, USA
| | - Nathaniel J Dominy
- Department of Anthropology, Dartmouth College, Hanover, NH, USA
- Department of Biological Sciences, Dartmouth College, Hanover, NH, USA
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Bleuze MM. Changes in limb bone diaphyseal structure in chimpanzees during development. AMERICAN JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL ANTHROPOLOGY 2024; 184:e24942. [PMID: 38602254 DOI: 10.1002/ajpa.24942] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2023] [Revised: 02/24/2024] [Accepted: 04/02/2024] [Indexed: 04/12/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES This study tests if femoral and humeral cross-sectional geometry (CSG) and cross-sectional properties (CSPs) in an ontogenetic series of wild-caught chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes ssp.) reflect locomotor behavior during development. The goal is to clarify the relationship between limb bone structure and locomotor behavior during ontogeny in Pan. MATERIALS AND METHODS The latex cast method was used to reconstruct cross sections at the midshaft femur and mid-distal humerus. Second moments of area (SMAs) (Ix, Iy, Imax, Imin), which are proportional to bending rigidity about a specified axis, and the polar SMA (J), which is proportional to average bending rigidity, were calculated at section locations. Cross-sectional shape (CSS) was assessed from Ix/Iy and Imax/Imin ratios. Juvenile and adult subsamples were compared. RESULTS Juveniles and adults have significantly greater femoral J compared to humeral J. Mean interlimb proportions of J are not significantly different between the groups. There is an overall decreasing trend in diaphyseal circularity between the juvenile phase of development and adulthood, although significant differences are only found in the humerus. DISCUSSION Juvenile chimpanzee locomotion includes forelimb- and hindlimb-biased behaviors. Juveniles and adults preferentially load their hindlimbs relative to their forelimbs. This may indicate similar locomotor behavior, although other explanations including a diversity of hindlimb-biased locomotor behaviors in juveniles cannot be ruled out. Different ontogenetic trends in forelimb and hindlimb CSS are consistent with limb bone CSG reflecting functional adaptation, albeit the complex nature of bone functional adaptation requires cautious interpretations of skeletal functional morphology from biomechanical analyses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michele M Bleuze
- Institutional affiliation: Department of Anthropology, California State University Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, USA
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4
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Drummond-Clarke RC, Kivell TL, Sarringhaus L, Stewart FA, Piel AK. Sex differences in positional behavior of chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes schweinfurthii) living in the dry and open habitat of Issa Valley, Tanzania. AMERICAN JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL ANTHROPOLOGY 2024:e25007. [PMID: 39056239 DOI: 10.1002/ajpa.25007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2024] [Revised: 06/20/2024] [Accepted: 07/09/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Many early fossil hominins are associated with savanna-mosaic paleohabitats, and high sexual dimorphism that may reflect differences in positional behavior between sexes. However, reconstructions of hominin behavior and the selective pressures they faced in an open habitat are limited by a lack of studies of extant apes living in contemporary, analogous habitats. Here, we describe adult chimpanzee positional behavior in the savanna-mosaic habitat of the Issa Valley, Tanzania, to test whether Issa chimpanzees show larger sex-differences in positional behavior than their forest-dwelling counterparts. MATERIALS AND METHODS We quantified and compared adult locomotor and postural behavior across sexes (6 females, 7 males) in the riparian forest (closed) and miombo woodland (open) vegetation types at Issa Valley (13,743 focal observations). We then compared our results to published data of chimpanzee communities living in more forested habitats. RESULTS Issa females and males both spent less time arboreally in open vegetation and showed similar locomotor and postural behavior on the same substrates, notably using a high level of suspensory locomotion when arboreal. Females were, however, more arboreal than males during locomotor behavior, as well as compared with females from other communities. Issa males behaved similarly to males from other communities. CONCLUSION Results suggest that open habitats do not elicit less arboreal behaviors in either sex, and may even select for suspensory locomotion to effectively navigate an open canopy. An open habitat may, however, increase sex differences in positional behavior by driving female arboreality. We suggest this is because of higher energetic demands and predator pressures associated with open vegetation, which are likely exaggerated for reproducing females. These results have implications for the interpretation of how sexual dimorphism may influence reconstructions of hominin positional behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Tracy L Kivell
- Department of Human Origins, Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology, Leipzig, Germany
- Centre for the Exploration of the Deep Human Journey, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | | | - Fiona A Stewart
- Department of Human Origins, Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology, Leipzig, Germany
- Department of Anthropology, University College London, London, UK
| | - Alex K Piel
- Department of Human Origins, Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology, Leipzig, Germany
- Department of Anthropology, University College London, London, UK
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5
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Cosnefroy Q, Berillon G, Gilissen E, Brige P, Chaumoître K, Lamberton F, Marchal F. New insights into patterns of integration in the femur and pelvis among catarrhines. AMERICAN JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL ANTHROPOLOGY 2024; 184:e24931. [PMID: 38491922 DOI: 10.1002/ajpa.24931] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2023] [Revised: 02/06/2024] [Accepted: 03/04/2024] [Indexed: 03/18/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Integration reflects the level of coordinated variation of the phenotype. The integration of postcranial elements can be studied from a functional perspective, especially with regards to locomotion. This study investigates the link between locomotion, femoral structural properties, and femur-pelvis complex morphology. MATERIALS AND METHODS We measured (1) morphological integration between femoral and pelvic morphologies using geometric morphometrics, and (2) covariation between femoral/pelvic morphologies and femoral diaphyseal cross-sectional properties, which we defined as morpho-structural integration. Morphological and morpho-structural integration patterns were measured among humans (n = 19), chimpanzees and bonobos (n = 16), and baboons (n = 14), whose locomotion are distinct. RESULTS Baboons show the highest magnitude of morphological integration and the lowest of morpho-structural integration. Chimpanzees and bonobos show intermediate magnitude of morphological and morpho-structural integration. Yet, body size seems to have a considerable influence on both integration patterns, limiting the interpretations. Finally, humans present the lowest morphological integration and the highest morpho-structural integration between femoral morphology and structural properties but not between pelvic morphology and femur. DISCUSSION Morphological and morpho-structural integration depict distinct strategies among the samples. A strong morphological integration among baboon's femur-pelvis module might highlight evidence for long-term adaptation to quadrupedalism. In humans, it is likely that distinct selective pressures associated with the respective function of the pelvis and the femur tend to decrease morphological integration. Conversely, high mechanical loading on the hindlimbs during bipedal locomotion might result in specific combination of structural and morphological features within the femur.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Emmanuel Gilissen
- Department of African Zoology, Royal Museum for Central Africa, Tervuren, Belgium
- Laboratory of Histology and Neuropathology, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Pauline Brige
- Aix-Marseille Univ, CNRS, CERIMED, Marseille, France
- Assistance Publique - Hôpitaux de Marseille, Pôle Pharmacie, Radiopharmacie, Marseille, France
| | - Kathia Chaumoître
- UMR 7268 ADES, Aix-Marseille Univ-CNRS-EFS, Marseille, France
- Assistance Publique Hôpitaux de Marseille, Hôpital Nord, Aix-Marseille Univ, Service d'Imagerie Médicale, Marseille, France
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Powell VCR, Barr WA, Hammond AS, Wood BA. Behavioral and phylogenetic correlates of limb length proportions in extant apes and monkeys: Implications for interpreting hominin fossils. J Hum Evol 2024; 190:103494. [PMID: 38564844 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhevol.2024.103494] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2023] [Revised: 01/02/2024] [Accepted: 01/03/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024]
Abstract
The body proportions of extant animals help inform inferences about the behaviors of their extinct relatives, but relationships between body proportions, behavior, and phylogeny in extant primates remain unclear. Advances in behavioral data, molecular phylogenies, and multivariate analytical tools make it an opportune time to perform comprehensive comparative analyses of primate traditional limb length proportions (e.g., intermembral, humerofemoral, brachial, and crural indices), body size-adjusted long bone proportions, and principal components. In this study we used a mix of newly-collected and published data to investigate whether and how the limb length proportions of a diverse sample of primates, including monkeys, apes, and modern humans, are influenced by behavior and phylogeny. We reconfirm that the intermembral index, followed by the first principal component of traditional limb length proportions, is the single most effective variable distinguishing hominoids and other anthropoids. Combined limb length proportions and positional behaviors are strongly correlated in extant anthropoid groups, but phylogeny is a better predictor of limb length proportion variation than of behavior. We confirm convergences between members of the Atelidae and extant apes (especially Pan), members of the Hylobatidae and Pongo, and a potential divergence of Presbytis limb proportions from some other cercopithecoids, which correlate with adaptations for forelimb-dominated behaviors in some colobines. Collectively, these results substantiate hypotheses indicating that extinct hominins and other hominoid taxa can be distinguished by analyzing combinations of their limb length proportions at different taxonomic levels. From these results, we hypothesize that fossil skeletons characterized by notably disparate limb length proportions are unlikely to have exhibited similar behavioral patterns.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vance C R Powell
- Department of Anatomy, Howard University College of Medicine, 520 W St. N.W., Washington, D.C., 20059, USA; Center for the Advanced Study of Human Paleobiology, Department of Anthropology, The George Washington University, Washington, D.C., 20052, USA.
| | - W Andrew Barr
- Center for the Advanced Study of Human Paleobiology, Department of Anthropology, The George Washington University, Washington, D.C., 20052, USA
| | - Ashley S Hammond
- Division of Anthropology, American Museum of Natural History (AMNH), New York, N.Y., 10024, USA; New York Consortium in Evolutionary Primatology at AMNH, New York, N.Y., 10024, USA
| | - Bernard A Wood
- Center for the Advanced Study of Human Paleobiology, Department of Anthropology, The George Washington University, Washington, D.C., 20052, USA
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Syeda SM, Tsegai ZJ, Cazenave M, Skinner MM, Kivell TL. Cortical bone architecture of hominid intermediate phalanges reveals functional signals of locomotion and manipulation. AMERICAN JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL ANTHROPOLOGY 2024; 184:e24902. [PMID: 38400773 DOI: 10.1002/ajpa.24902] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2023] [Revised: 11/03/2023] [Accepted: 01/13/2024] [Indexed: 02/26/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Reconstruction of fossil hominin manual behaviors often relies on comparative analyses of extant hominid hands to understand the relationship between hand use and skeletal morphology. In this context, the intermediate phalanges remain understudied. Thus, here we investigate cortical bone morphology of the intermediate phalanges of extant hominids and compare it to the cortical structure of the proximal phalanges, to investigate the relationship between cortical bone structure and inferred loading during manual behaviors. MATERIALS AND METHODS Using micro-CT data, we analyze cortical bone structure of the intermediate phalangeal shaft of digits 2-5 in Pongo pygmaeus (n = 6 individuals), Gorilla gorilla (n = 22), Pan spp. (n = 23), and Homo sapiens (n = 23). The R package morphomap is used to study cortical bone distribution, cortical thickness and cross-sectional properties within and across taxa. RESULTS Non-human great apes generally have thick cortical bone on the palmar shaft, with Pongo only having thick cortex on the peaks of the flexor sheath ridges, while African apes have thick cortex along the entire flexor sheath ridge and proximal to the trochlea. Humans are distinct in having thicker dorsal shaft cortex as well as thick cortex at the disto-palmar region of the shaft. DISCUSSION Variation in cortical bone distribution and properties of the intermediate phalanges is consistent with differences in locomotor and manipulative behaviors in extant great apes. Comparisons between the intermediate and proximal phalanges reveals similar patterns of cortical bone distribution within each taxon but with potentially greater load experienced by the proximal phalanges, even in knuckle-walking African apes. This study provides a comparative context for the reconstruction of habitual hand use in fossil hominins and hominids.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samar M Syeda
- Skeletal Biology Research Centre, School of Anthropology and Conservation, University of Kent, Canterbury, UK
| | - Zewdi J Tsegai
- Department of Organismal Biology and Anatomy, University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Marine Cazenave
- Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
- Department of Human Origins, Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology, Leipzig, Germany
- Division of Anthropology, American Museum of Natural History (AMNH), New York, USA
| | - Matthew M Skinner
- Department of Human Origins, Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Tracy L Kivell
- Department of Human Origins, Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology, Leipzig, Germany
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Druelle F, Leti I, Bokika Ngawolo JC, Narat V. Vertical climbing in free-ranging bonobos: An exploratory study integrating locomotor performance and substrate compliance. AMERICAN JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL ANTHROPOLOGY 2024; 183:e24894. [PMID: 38180148 DOI: 10.1002/ajpa.24894] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2023] [Accepted: 12/13/2023] [Indexed: 01/06/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Ecological factors and body size shape animal movement and adaptation. Large primates such as bonobos excel in navigating the demanding substrates of arboreal habitats. However, current approaches lack comprehensive assessment of climbing performance in free-ranging individuals, limiting our understanding of locomotor adaptations. This study aims to explore climbing performance in free-ranging bonobos and how substrate properties affect their behavior. METHODS We collected data on the climbing performance of habituated bonobos, Pan paniscus, in the Bolobo Territory, Democratic Republic of Congo. We analyzed 46 climbing bouts (12 ascents, 34 descents) while moving on vertical substrates of varying diameter and compliance levels. This study assessed the average speed, peak acceleration, resting postures, and transitions between climbing and other locomotor modes. RESULTS During climbing sequences and transitions, bonobos mitigate speed variations. They also exhibit regular pauses during climbing and show higher speeds during descent in contrast to their ascent. Regarding the influence of substrate properties, bonobos exhibit higher speed when ascending on thin and slightly flexible substrates, while they appear to achieve higher speeds when descending on large and stiff substrates, by using a "fire-pole slide" submode. DISCUSSION Bonobos demonstrate remarkable abilities for negotiating vertical substrates and substrate properties influence their performance. Our results support the idea that bonobos adopt a behavioral strategy that aligns with the notion of minimizing costs. Overall, the adoption of high velocities and the use of low-cost resting postures may reduce muscle fatigue. These aspects could represent important targets of selection to ensure ecological efficiency in bonobos.
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Affiliation(s)
- François Druelle
- Histoire Naturelle de l'Homme Préhistorique, UMR 7194, CNRS-MNHN-UPVD, Paris, France
- Functional Morphology Laboratory, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Innocent Leti
- NGO Mbou-Mon-Tour, Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo
| | | | - Victor Narat
- Eco-Anthropologie, UMR 7206, MNHN-CNRS-Univ. Paris Cité, Paris, France
- Bonobo Eco, Saint Brice sur Vienne, Vienne, France
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9
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Hassinan CW, Sterrett SC, Summy B, Khera A, Wang A, Bai J. Dimensionality of locomotor behaviors in developing C. elegans. PLoS Comput Biol 2024; 20:e1011906. [PMID: 38437243 PMCID: PMC10939432 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pcbi.1011906] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2023] [Revised: 03/14/2024] [Accepted: 02/12/2024] [Indexed: 03/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Adult animals display robust locomotion, yet the timeline and mechanisms of how juvenile animals acquire coordinated movements and how these movements evolve during development are not well understood. Recent advances in quantitative behavioral analyses have paved the way for investigating complex natural behaviors like locomotion. In this study, we tracked the swimming and crawling behaviors of the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans from postembryonic development through to adulthood. Our principal component analyses revealed that adult C. elegans swimming is low dimensional, suggesting that a small number of distinct postures, or eigenworms, account for most of the variance in the body shapes that constitute swimming behavior. Additionally, we found that crawling behavior in adult C. elegans is similarly low dimensional, corroborating previous studies. Further, our analysis revealed that swimming and crawling are distinguishable within the eigenworm space. Remarkably, young L1 larvae are capable of producing the postural shapes for swimming and crawling seen in adults, despite frequent instances of uncoordinated body movements. In contrast, late L1 larvae exhibit robust coordination of locomotion, while many neurons crucial for adult locomotion are still under development. In conclusion, this study establishes a comprehensive quantitative behavioral framework for understanding the neural basis of locomotor development, including distinct gaits such as swimming and crawling in C. elegans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cera W Hassinan
- Basic Sciences Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
- Molecular and Cellular Biology Program, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
| | - Scott C Sterrett
- Graduate Program in Neuroscience, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
| | - Brennan Summy
- Basic Sciences Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
| | - Arnav Khera
- Basic Sciences Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
| | - Angie Wang
- Basic Sciences Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
- Pomona College, Claremont, California, United States of America
| | - Jihong Bai
- Basic Sciences Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
- Molecular and Cellular Biology Program, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
- Graduate Program in Neuroscience, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
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Vanhoof MJM, Galletta L, Matthews H, De Groote I, Vereecke EE. Ulnar shape of extant primates: Functional signals and covariation with triquetrum shape. AMERICAN JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL ANTHROPOLOGY 2024; 183:e24755. [PMID: 37171151 DOI: 10.1002/ajpa.24755] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2022] [Revised: 03/27/2023] [Accepted: 04/26/2023] [Indexed: 05/13/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES In this study, we investigated the shape differences of the distal ulna in a phylogenetic context among a broad range of primate taxa. Furthermore, we evaluated covariation between ulnar and triquetrum shape and a possible association between ulnar shape and locomotor behavior. MATERIALS AND METHODS We applied 3D geometric morphometrics on a large dataset comprising the distal ulna of 124 anthropoid primate specimens belonging to 12 different genera. For each species, a mean shape was calculated using 11 Procrustes-aligned surface landmarks on the distal ulna. These mean shapes are used in a bgPCA, pPCA, and PACA and 3D morphs were used to visualize more subtle differences between taxa. A p2B-PLS analysis was performed to test the covariance between distal ulnar and triquetrum shape. RESULTS The results show that more closely related species exhibit a similar distal ulnar shape. Overall, extant hominid ulnae show a shape shift compared to those of extant monkeys and hylobatids. This includes a shortening of the ulnar styloid process and dorspalmarly widening of the ulnar head, shape characteristics that are independent of phylogeny. Within the hominids, Pongo pygmaeus seem to possess the most plesiomorphic distal ulnar shape, while Gorilla and Homo sapiens display the most derived distal ulna. Cercopithecoids, hylobatids, and P. pygmaeus are characterized by a relatively deep ECU groove, which is a shape trait dependent of phylogeny. Although there was no significant covariation between distal ulnar shape and triquetrum shape, the shape differences of the distal ulna between the different primate taxa reveal a possible link with locomotor behavior. CONCLUSIONS The comparative analyses of this study reveal different shape trends in a phylogenetic context. Highly arboreal primates, such as hylobatids and Ateles fusciceps, show a distal ulnar morphology that appears to be adapted to tensile and torsional forces. In primates that use their wrist under more compressive conditions, such as quadrupedal cercopithecoids and great apes, the distal ulnar morphology seems to reflect increased compressive forces. In modern humans, the distal ulnar shape can be associated to enhanced manipulative skills and power grips. There was no significant covariation between distal ulnar shape and triquetrum shape, probably due to the variation in the amount of contact between the triquetrum and ulna. In combination with future research on wrist mobility in diverse primate taxa, the results of this study will allow us to establish form-function relationships of the primate wrist and contribute towards an evidence-based interpretation of fossil remains.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marie J M Vanhoof
- Department of Development & Regeneration, Biomedical Sciences Group, Kortrijk, Belgium
| | - Lorenzo Galletta
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Deakin University, Waurn Pounds, Victoria, Australia
| | - Harold Matthews
- Department of Human Genetics, Medical Imaging Center, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Isabelle De Groote
- Department of Archaeology, Ghent University, Belgium
- Research Centre in Evolutionary Anthropology and Paleoecology, Liverpool John Moores University, UK
| | - Evie E Vereecke
- Department of Development & Regeneration, Biomedical Sciences Group, Kortrijk, Belgium
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11
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Syeda SM, Tsegai ZJ, Cazenave M, Skinner MM, Kivell TL. Cortical bone distribution of the proximal phalanges in great apes: implications for reconstructing manual behaviours. J Anat 2023; 243:707-728. [PMID: 37358024 PMCID: PMC10557399 DOI: 10.1111/joa.13918] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2023] [Revised: 06/06/2023] [Accepted: 06/12/2023] [Indexed: 06/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Primate fingers are typically in direct contact with the environment during both locomotion and manipulation, and aspects of external phalangeal morphology are known to reflect differences in hand use. Since bone is a living tissue that can adapt in response to loading through life, the internal bone architecture of the manual phalanges should also reflect differences in manual behaviours. Here, we use the R package Morphomap to analyse high-resolution microCT scans of hominid proximal phalanges of digits 2-5 to determine whether cortical bone structure reflects variation in manual behaviours between bipedal (Homo), knuckle-walking (Gorilla, Pan) and suspensory (Pongo) taxa. We test the hypothesis that relative cortical bone distribution patterns and cross-sectional geometric properties will differ both among extant great apes and across the four digits due to locomotor and postural differences. Results indicate that cortical bone structure reflects the varied hand postures employed by each taxon. The phalangeal cortices of Pongo are significantly thinner and have weaker cross-sectional properties relative to the African apes, yet thick cortical bone under their flexor sheath ridges corresponds with predicted loading during flexed finger grips. Knuckle-walking African apes have even thicker cortical bone under the flexor sheath ridges, as well as in the region proximal to the trochlea, but Pan also has thicker diaphyseal cortices than Gorilla. Humans display a distinct pattern of distodorsal thickening, as well as relatively thin cortices, which may reflect the lack of phalangeal curvature combined with frequent use of flexed fingered hand grips during manipulation. Within each taxon, digits 2-5 have a similar cortical distribution in Pongo, Gorilla and, unexpectedly, Homo, which suggest similar loading of all fingers during habitual locomotion or hand use. In Pan, however, cortical thickness differs between the fingers, potentially reflecting differential loading during knuckle-walking. Inter- and intra-generic variation in phalangeal cortical bone structure reflects differences in manual behaviours, offering a comparative framework for reconstructing hand use in fossil hominins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samar M. Syeda
- Skeletal Biology Research Centre, School of Anthropology and ConservationUniversity of KentCanterburyUK
| | - Zewdi J. Tsegai
- Department of Organismal Biology and AnatomyUniversity of ChicagoChicagoIllinoisUSA
| | - Marine Cazenave
- Skeletal Biology Research Centre, School of Anthropology and ConservationUniversity of KentCanterburyUK
- Division of AnthropologyAmerican Museum of Natural HistoryNew YorkNew YorkUSA
- Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Health SciencesUniversity of PretoriaPretoriaSouth Africa
| | - Matthew M. Skinner
- Skeletal Biology Research Centre, School of Anthropology and ConservationUniversity of KentCanterburyUK
| | - Tracy L. Kivell
- Department of Human OriginsMax Planck Institute for Evolutionary AnthropologyLeipzigGermany
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12
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Vanhoof MJM, Galletta L, De Groote I, Vereecke EE. Covariation between wrist bone morphology and maximal range of motion during ulnar deviation and supination in extant nonhuman primate taxa. J Exp Biol 2023; 226:jeb245906. [PMID: 37665264 DOI: 10.1242/jeb.245906] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2023] [Accepted: 08/16/2023] [Indexed: 09/05/2023]
Abstract
This study investigates the maximal range of motion (ROM) during wrist deviation and forearm rotation for five different primate genera and the possible correlation with the shape of the distal ulna, triquetrum and hamate. A two-block phylogenetic partial least square analysis was performed to test this covariation in a phylogenetic context, using shape coordinates and a matrix of maximal ROM data as input data. The results show that gibbons have the highest ROM for both ulnar deviation and supination, whereas Macaca exhibited the lowest ROM for supination, and Pan had the lowest ROM for ulnar deviation. These results can be attributed to differences in locomotor behaviour, as gibbons need a large wrist mobility in all directions for their highly arboreal lifestyle, whereas Macaca and Pan need a stable wrist during terrestrial locomotion. However, we found no correlation between distal ulna/triquetrum/hamate shape and maximal ROM during ulnar deviation and supination in the different primate taxa. A larger dataset, in combination with behavioural and biomechanical studies, is needed to establish form-function relationships of the primate hand, which will aid the functional interpretation of primate fossil remains.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marie J M Vanhoof
- Department of Development & Regeneration, Biomedical Sciences Group, KU Leuven Campus Kulak, 8500 Kortrijk, Belgium
| | - Lorenzo Galletta
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Deakin University, 3216 Waurn Pounds, Victoria, Australia
| | - Isabelle De Groote
- Department of Archaeology, Ghent University, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
- Research Centre in Evolutionary Anthropology and Paleoecology, Liverpool John Moores University, Liverpool L2 2QP, UK
| | - Evie E Vereecke
- Department of Development & Regeneration, Biomedical Sciences Group, KU Leuven Campus Kulak, 8500 Kortrijk, Belgium
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13
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Cosman MN, MacLatchy LM, Schlecht SH, Devlin MJ. Intraspecific variation of long bone cross-sectional properties in Pan troglodytes troglodytes and Gorilla gorilla gorilla. AMERICAN JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL ANTHROPOLOGY 2023; 182:69-81. [PMID: 37504383 DOI: 10.1002/ajpa.24823] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2022] [Revised: 07/09/2023] [Accepted: 07/10/2023] [Indexed: 07/29/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Morphological intraspecific variation is due to the balance between skeletal plasticity and genetic constraint on the skeleton. Osteogenic responses to external stimuli, such as locomotion, have been well documented interspecifically across the primate order, but less so at the intraspecific level. Here, we examine the differences in cross-sectional variability of the femur, humerus, radius, and tibia in Pan troglodytes troglodytes versus Gorilla gorilla gorilla. We investigate whether there are sex, species, bone, and trait differences in response to variable body size and locomotion. MATERIALS AND METHODS Adult male and female P. t. troglodytes and G. g. gorilla long bones from the Cleveland Museum of Natural History were scanned with a peripheral quantitative computer tomography system. Scans were taken at the midshaft of each bone according to functional bone length. Coefficients of variation were used to provide a size-independent measure of variation. We applied a Bonferroni correction to account for the multiple pairwise tests. RESULTS There were limited significant differences between males and females, however, females tended to be more variable than males. Variation in Gorilla, when significant, was greater than in Pan, although significant differences were limited. There were no differences between bone variability in male and female Gorilla, and female Pan. DISCUSSION Increased female variability may be due to more variable locomotor behavior, particularly during periods of pregnancy, lactation, and caring for an offspring compared to consistent locomotion over the life course by males. Body size may be a contributing factor to variability; more work is needed to understand this relationship.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Laura M MacLatchy
- Department of Anthropology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Stephen H Schlecht
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
| | - Maureen J Devlin
- Department of Anthropology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
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14
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Fannin LD, Joy MS, Dominy NJ, McGraw WS, DeSilva JM. Downclimbing and the evolution of ape forelimb morphologies. ROYAL SOCIETY OPEN SCIENCE 2023; 10:230145. [PMID: 37680499 PMCID: PMC10480693 DOI: 10.1098/rsos.230145] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2023] [Accepted: 08/15/2023] [Indexed: 09/09/2023]
Abstract
The forelimbs of hominoid primates (apes) are decidedly more flexible than those of monkeys, especially at the shoulder, elbow and wrist joints. It is tempting to link the greater mobility of these joints to the functional demands of vertical climbing and below-branch suspension, but field-based kinematic studies have found few differences between chimpanzees and monkeys when comparing forelimb excursion angles during vertical ascent (upclimbing). There is, however, a strong theoretical argument for focusing instead on vertical descent (downclimbing), which motivated us to quantify the effects of climbing directionality on the forelimb kinematics of wild chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes) and sooty mangabeys (Cercocebus atys). We found that the shoulders and elbows of chimpanzees and sooty mangabeys subtended larger joint angles during bouts of downclimbing, and that the magnitude of this difference was greatest among chimpanzees. Our results cast new light on the functional importance of downclimbing, while also burnishing functional hypotheses that emphasize the role of vertical climbing during the evolution of apes, including the human lineage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luke D. Fannin
- Department of Anthropology, Dartmouth College, Hanover, NH 03755, USA
- Ecology, Evolution, Environment and Society, Dartmouth College, Hanover, NH 03755, USA
| | - Mary S. Joy
- Department of Anthropology, Dartmouth College, Hanover, NH 03755, USA
| | - Nathaniel J. Dominy
- Department of Anthropology, Dartmouth College, Hanover, NH 03755, USA
- Department of Biological Sciences, Dartmouth College, Hanover, NH 03755, USA
| | - W. Scott McGraw
- Department of Anthropology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - Jeremy M. DeSilva
- Department of Anthropology, Dartmouth College, Hanover, NH 03755, USA
- Ecology, Evolution, Environment and Society, Dartmouth College, Hanover, NH 03755, USA
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15
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Harper CM, Roach CS, Goldstein DM, Sylvester AD. Morphological variation of the Pan talus relative to that of Gorilla. AMERICAN JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL ANTHROPOLOGY 2023. [PMID: 37300336 DOI: 10.1002/ajpa.24796] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2022] [Revised: 03/27/2023] [Accepted: 05/27/2023] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Differences in talar articular morphology relative to locomotion have recently been found within Pan and Gorilla. Whole-bone talar morphology within, and shared variation among, Pan and Gorilla (sub)species, however, has yet to be investigated. Here we separately analyze talar external shape within Pan (P. t. troglodytes, P. t. schweinfurthii, P. t. verus, P. paniscus) and Gorilla (G. g. gorilla, G. b. beringei, G. b. graueri) relative to degree of arboreality and body size. Pan and Gorilla are additionally analyzed together to determine if consistent shape differences exist within the genera. MATERIALS AND METHODS Talar external shape was quantified using a weighted spherical harmonic analysis. Shape variation both within and among Pan and Gorilla was described using principal component analyses. Root mean square distances were calculated between taxon averages, and resampling statistics conducted to test for pairwise differences. RESULTS P. t. verus (most arboreal Pan) talar shape significantly differs from other Pan taxa (p < 0.05 for pairwise comparisons) driven by more asymmetrical trochlear rims and a medially-set talar head. P. t. troglodytes, P. t. schweinfurthii, and P. paniscus do not significantly differ (p > 0.05 for pairwise comparisons). All gorilla taxa exhibit significantly different talar morphologies (p < 0.007 for pairwise comparisons). The more terrestrial subspecies of G. beringei and P. troglodytes exhibit a superoinferiorly taller talar head/neck complex. DISCUSSION P. t. verus exhibits talar morphologies that have been previously related to more frequent arboreality. The adaptations in the more terrestrial G. beringei and P. troglodytes subspecies may serve to facilitate load transmission.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christine M Harper
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Cooper Medical School of Rowan University, Camden, New Jersey, USA
| | - Caleigh S Roach
- Krieger School of Arts and Sciences, The Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Deanna M Goldstein
- Department of Anatomical Sciences, Renaissance School of Medicine, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, New York, USA
| | - Adam D Sylvester
- Center for Functional Anatomy and Evolution, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
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16
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Hassinan CW, Sterrett SC, Summy B, Khera A, Wang A, Bai J. A Quantitative Analysis of Locomotor Patterns in Developing C. elegans. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.06.03.543584. [PMID: 37333370 PMCID: PMC10274735 DOI: 10.1101/2023.06.03.543584] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/20/2023]
Abstract
Adult animals display robust locomotion, yet the timeline and mechanisms of how juvenile animals acquire coordinated movements and how these movements evolve during development are not well understood. Recent advances in quantitative behavioral analyses have paved the way for investigating complex natural behaviors like locomotion. In this study, we tracked the swimming and crawling behaviors of the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans from postembryonic development through to adulthood. Our principal component analyses revealed that adult C. elegans swimming is low dimensional, suggesting that a small number of distinct postures, or eigenworms, account for most of the variance in the body shapes that constitute swimming behavior. Additionally, we found that crawling behavior in adult C. elegans is similarly low dimensional, corroborating previous studies. However, our analysis revealed that swimming and crawling are distinct gaits in adult animals, clearly distinguishable within the eigenworm space. Remarkably, young L1 larvae are capable of producing the postural shapes for swimming and crawling seen in adults, despite frequent instances of uncoordinated body movements. In contrast, late L1 larvae exhibit robust coordination of locomotion, while many neurons crucial for adult locomotion are still under development. In conclusion, this study establishes a comprehensive quantitative behavioral framework for understanding the neural basis of locomotor development, including distinct gaits such as swimming and crawling in C. elegans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cera W. Hassinan
- Basic Sciences Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, 1100 Fairview Avenue N., Seattle, WA 98109, USA
- Molecular and Cellular Biology Program, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98019, USA
| | - Scott C. Sterrett
- Graduate Program in Neuroscience, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98109, USA
| | - Brennan Summy
- Basic Sciences Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, 1100 Fairview Avenue N., Seattle, WA 98109, USA
| | - Arnav Khera
- Basic Sciences Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, 1100 Fairview Avenue N., Seattle, WA 98109, USA
| | - Angie Wang
- Basic Sciences Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, 1100 Fairview Avenue N., Seattle, WA 98109, USA
- Pomona College, 333 N College Way, Claremont, CA 91711, USA
| | - Jihong Bai
- Basic Sciences Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, 1100 Fairview Avenue N., Seattle, WA 98109, USA
- Molecular and Cellular Biology Program, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98019, USA
- Graduate Program in Neuroscience, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98109, USA
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Washington, WA 98195, USA
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17
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MacLatchy LM, Cote SM, Deino AL, Kityo RM, Mugume AAT, Rossie JB, Sanders WJ, Cosman MN, Driese SG, Fox DL, Freeman AJ, Jansma RJW, Jenkins KEH, Kinyanjui RN, Lukens WE, McNulty KP, Novello A, Peppe DJ, Strömberg CAE, Uno KT, Winkler AJ, Kingston JD. The evolution of hominoid locomotor versatility: Evidence from Moroto, a 21 Ma site in Uganda. Science 2023; 380:eabq2835. [PMID: 37053310 DOI: 10.1126/science.abq2835] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/15/2023]
Abstract
Living hominoids are distinguished by upright torsos and versatile locomotion. It is hypothesized that these features evolved for feeding on fruit from terminal branches in forests. To investigate the evolutionary context of hominoid adaptive origins, we analyzed multiple paleoenvironmental proxies in conjunction with hominoid fossils from the Moroto II site in Uganda. The data indicate seasonally dry woodlands with the earliest evidence of abundant C4 grasses in Africa based on a confirmed age of 21 million years ago (Ma). We demonstrate that the leaf-eating hominoid Morotopithecus consumed water-stressed vegetation, and postcrania from the site indicate ape-like locomotor adaptations. These findings suggest that the origin of hominoid locomotor versatility is associated with foraging on leaves in heterogeneous, open woodlands rather than forests.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura M MacLatchy
- Department of Anthropology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
- Museum of Paleontology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Susanne M Cote
- Department of Anthropology and Archaeology, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta T2N 1N4, Canada
| | - Alan L Deino
- Berkeley Geochronology Center, Berkeley, CA 94709, USA
| | - Robert M Kityo
- Department of Zoology, Entomology and Fisheries Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Amon A T Mugume
- Department of Zoology, Entomology and Fisheries Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
- Uganda National Museum, Department of Museums and Monuments, Ministry of Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities, Kampala, Uganda
| | - James B Rossie
- Department of Anthropology, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY 11794, USA
| | - William J Sanders
- Department of Anthropology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
- Museum of Paleontology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Miranda N Cosman
- Department of Anthropology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Steven G Driese
- Department of Geosciences, Baylor University, Waco, TX 76798, USA
| | - David L Fox
- Department of Earth & Environmental Sciences, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
| | - April J Freeman
- Department of Geosciences, Baylor University, Waco, TX 76798, USA
| | - Rutger J W Jansma
- Institute of Human Origins, School of Human Evolution and Social Change, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ 85281, USA
| | - Kirsten E H Jenkins
- Department of Social Sciences, Tacoma Community College, Tacoma, WA 98466, USA
| | - Rahab N Kinyanjui
- Earth Sciences Department, National Museums of Kenya, Nairobi, Kenya
- Max Planck Institute for Geoanthropology, Jena D-07743, Germany
- Human Origins Program, National Museum of Natural History, Smithsonian Institution, Washington, DC 20013, USA
| | - William E Lukens
- Department of Geology & Environmental Science, James Madison University, Harrisonburg, VA 22807, USA
| | - Kieran P McNulty
- Department of Anthropology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
| | - Alice Novello
- CEREGE, Aix-Marseille Université, CNRS, IRD, Collège de France, INRAE, Aix en Provence, France
- Department of Biology & Burke Museum of Natural History and Culture, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - Daniel J Peppe
- Department of Geosciences, Baylor University, Waco, TX 76798, USA
| | - Caroline A E Strömberg
- Department of Biology & Burke Museum of Natural History and Culture, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - Kevin T Uno
- Division of Biology and Paleo Environment, Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory of Columbia University, Palisades, NY 10964, USA
| | - Alisa J Winkler
- Roy M. Huffington Department of Earth Sciences, Southern Methodist University, Dallas, TX 75275, USA
- Section of Anatomy, Department of Surgery, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - John D Kingston
- Department of Anthropology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
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18
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Meyer MR, Jung JP, Spear JK, Araiza IF, Galway-Witham J, Williams SA. Knuckle-walking in Sahelanthropus? Locomotor inferences from the ulnae of fossil hominins and other hominoids. J Hum Evol 2023; 179:103355. [PMID: 37003245 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhevol.2023.103355] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2022] [Revised: 03/03/2023] [Accepted: 03/03/2023] [Indexed: 04/03/2023]
Abstract
Because the ulna supports and transmits forces during movement, its morphology can signal aspects of functional adaptation. To test whether, like extant apes, some hominins habitually recruit the forelimb in locomotion, we separate the ulna shaft and ulna proximal complex for independent shape analyses via elliptical Fourier methods to identify functional signals. We examine the relative influence of locomotion, taxonomy, and body mass on ulna contours in Homo sapiens (n = 22), five species of extant apes (n = 33), two Miocene apes (Hispanopithecus and Danuvius), and 17 fossil hominin specimens including Sahelanthropus, Ardipithecus, Australopithecus, Paranthropus, and early Homo. Ulna proximal complex contours correlate with body mass but not locomotor patterns, while ulna shafts significantly correlate with locomotion. African apes' ulna shafts are more robust and curved than Asian apes and are unlike other terrestrial mammals (including other primates), curving ventrally rather than dorsally. Because this distinctive curvature is absent in orangutans and hylobatids, it is likely a function of powerful flexors engaged in wrist and hand stabilization during knuckle-walking, and not an adaptation to climbing or suspensory behavior. The OH 36 (purported Paranthropus boisei) and TM 266 (assigned to Sahelanthropus tchadensis) fossils differ from other hominins by falling within the knuckle-walking morphospace, and thus appear to show forelimb morphology consistent with terrestrial locomotion. Discriminant function analysis classifies both OH 36 and TM 266 with Pan and Gorilla with high posterior probability. Along with its associated femur, the TM 266 ulna shaft contours and its deep, keeled trochlear notch comprise a suite of traits signaling African ape-like quadrupedalism. While implications for the phylogenetic position and hominin status of S. tchadensis remain equivocal, this study supports the growing body of evidence indicating that S. tchadensis was not an obligate biped, but instead represents a late Miocene hominid with knuckle-walking adaptations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marc R Meyer
- Department of Anthropology, Chaffey College, Rancho Cucamonga, CA 91737, USA.
| | - Jason P Jung
- Department of Biology, California State University, San Bernardino, CA 92407, USA
| | - Jeffrey K Spear
- Center for the Study of Human Origins, Department of Anthropology, New York University, 25 Waverly Place, New York, NY 10003, USA; New York Consortium in Evolutionary Primatology, New York, NY 10024, USA
| | - Isabella Fx Araiza
- Center for the Study of Human Origins, Department of Anthropology, New York University, 25 Waverly Place, New York, NY 10003, USA; New York Consortium in Evolutionary Primatology, New York, NY 10024, USA
| | - Julia Galway-Witham
- Center for the Study of Human Origins, Department of Anthropology, New York University, 25 Waverly Place, New York, NY 10003, USA; New York Consortium in Evolutionary Primatology, New York, NY 10024, USA
| | - Scott A Williams
- Center for the Study of Human Origins, Department of Anthropology, New York University, 25 Waverly Place, New York, NY 10003, USA; New York Consortium in Evolutionary Primatology, New York, NY 10024, USA
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19
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Cazenave M, Kivell TL. Challenges and perspectives on functional interpretations of australopith postcrania and the reconstruction of hominin locomotion. J Hum Evol 2023; 175:103304. [PMID: 36563461 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhevol.2022.103304] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2022] [Revised: 11/15/2022] [Accepted: 11/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
In 1994, Hunt published the 'postural feeding hypothesis'-a seminal paper on the origins of hominin bipedalism-founded on the detailed study of chimpanzee positional behavior and the functional inferences derived from the upper and lower limb morphology of the Australopithecus afarensis A.L. 288-1 partial skeleton. Hunt proposed a model for understanding the potential selective pressures on hominins, made robust, testable predictions based on Au. afarensis functional morphology, and presented a hypothesis that aimed to explain the dual functional signals of the Au. afarensis and, more generally, early hominin postcranium. Here we synthesize what we have learned about Au. afarensis functional morphology and the dual functional signals of two new australopith discoveries with relatively complete skeletons (Australopithecus sediba and StW 573 'Australopithecus prometheus'). We follow this with a discussion of three research approaches that have been developed for the purpose of drawing behavioral inferences in early hominins: (1) developments in the study of extant apes as models for understanding hominin origins; (2) novel and continued developments to quantify bipedal gait and locomotor economy in extant primates to infer the locomotor costs from the anatomy of fossil taxa; and (3) novel developments in the study of internal bone structure to extract functional signals from fossil remains. In conclusion of this review, we discuss some of the inherent challenges of the approaches and methodologies adopted to reconstruct the locomotor modes and behavioral repertoires in extinct primate taxa, and notably the assessment of habitual terrestrial bipedalism in early hominins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marine Cazenave
- Division of Anthropology, American Museum of Natural History, New York, USA; Skeletal Biology Research Centre, School of Anthropology and Conservation, University of Kent, Canterbury, UK; Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Pretoria, South Africa.
| | - Tracy L Kivell
- Skeletal Biology Research Centre, School of Anthropology and Conservation, University of Kent, Canterbury, UK; Centre for the Exploration of the Deep Human Journey, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
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20
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Drummond-Clarke RC, Kivell TL, Sarringhaus L, Stewart FA, Humle T, Piel AK. Wild chimpanzee behavior suggests that a savanna-mosaic habitat did not support the emergence of hominin terrestrial bipedalism. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2022; 8:eadd9752. [PMID: 36516260 PMCID: PMC9750136 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.add9752] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2022] [Accepted: 11/08/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Bipedalism, a defining feature of the human lineage, is thought to have evolved as forests retreated in the late Miocene-Pliocene. Chimpanzees living in analogous habitats to early hominins offer a unique opportunity to investigate the ecological drivers of bipedalism that cannot be addressed via the fossil record alone. We investigated positional behavior and terrestriality in a savanna-mosaic community of chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes schweinfurthii) in the Issa Valley, Tanzania as the first test in a living ape of the hypothesis that wooded, savanna habitats were a catalyst for terrestrial bipedalism. Contrary to widely accepted hypotheses of increased terrestriality selecting for habitual bipedalism, results indicate that trees remained an essential component of the hominin adaptive niche, with bipedalism evolving in an arboreal context, likely driven by foraging strategy.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Tracy L. Kivell
- School of Anthropology and Conservation, University of Kent, Canterbury, UK
- Centre for the Exploration of the Deep Human Journey, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Lauren Sarringhaus
- Department of Evolutionary Anthropology, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
- Department of Anthropology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Fiona A. Stewart
- Department of Anthropology, University College London, London, UK
- School of Biological and Environmental Sciences, Liverpool John Moores University, Liverpool, UK
| | - Tatyana Humle
- School of Anthropology and Conservation, University of Kent, Canterbury, UK
| | - Alex K. Piel
- Department of Anthropology, University College London, London, UK
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21
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Sarringhaus L, Lewton KL, Iqbal S, Carlson KJ. Ape femoral-humeral rigidities and arboreal locomotion. AMERICAN JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL ANTHROPOLOGY 2022; 179:624-639. [PMID: 36790629 PMCID: PMC9828227 DOI: 10.1002/ajpa.24632] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2021] [Revised: 06/29/2022] [Accepted: 09/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES This study investigates patterns of bone functional adaptations in extant apes through comparing hindlimb to forelimb bone rigidity ratios in groups with varying levels of arboreality. MATERIALS AND METHODS Using CT scans, bone rigidity (J) was calculated at three regions of interest (ROI) along femoral and humeral diaphyses in Homo, Pongo, Pan, and Gorilla with further comparisons made between species and subspecies divisions within Pan and Gorilla. RESULTS Consistent with previous work on extant hominoids, species exhibited differences in midshaft femoral to humeral (F/H) rigidity ratios. Results of the present study confirm that these midshaft differences extend to 35% and 65% diaphyseal ROIs. Modern humans, exhibiting larger ratios, and orangutans, exhibiting smaller ratios, bracketed the intermediate African apes in comparisons. Within some African apes, limb rigidity ratios varied significantly between taxonomic groups. Eastern gorillas exhibited the highest mean ratios and chimpanzees the lowest at all three ROIs. In posthoc comparisons, chimpanzees and bonobos did not differ in relative limb rigidity ratios at any of the three ROIs. However, western gorillas were more similar to bonobos than eastern gorillas at 50% and 35% ROIs, but not at the 65% ROI. CONCLUSION Species, and to a lesser extent subspecies, can be distinguished by F/H limb rigidity ratios according to broad positional behavior patterns at multiple regions of interest along the diaphyses. Similarity of bonobos and western gorillas is in line with behavioral data of bonobos being the most terrestrial of Pan species, and western gorillas the most arboreal of the Gorilla groups.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lauren Sarringhaus
- Department of Evolutionary Anthropology, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, USA
- Department of Anthropology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
- Department of Biology, James Madison University, Harrisonburg, Virginia, USA
| | - Kristi L Lewton
- Department of Integrative Anatomical Sciences, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Safiyyah Iqbal
- School of Animal, Plant and Environmental Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Kristian J Carlson
- Department of Integrative Anatomical Sciences, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, USA
- Evolutionary Studies Institute, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
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22
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de Diego M, Casado A, Gómez M, Ciurana N, Rodríguez P, Avià Y, Cuesta-Torralvo E, García N, San José I, Barbosa M, de Paz F, Pastor JF, Potau JM. Elbow Extensor Muscles in Humans and Chimpanzees: Adaptations to Different Uses of the Upper Extremity in Hominoid Primates. Animals (Basel) 2022; 12:ani12212987. [PMID: 36359111 PMCID: PMC9655010 DOI: 10.3390/ani12212987] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2022] [Revised: 10/24/2022] [Accepted: 10/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Chimpanzees and humans are both species of hominoid primates that are closely related phylogenetically. One of the key differences between these two species is their use of their upper extremities. Humans use this limb mainly in manipulative tasks, while chimpanzees also use it during locomotion. In this study, we have analyzed the muscle architecture and the expression of the myosin heavy chain isoforms in the two elbow extensor muscles, the triceps brachii and the anconeus, in humans and chimpanzees, in order to find differences that could be related to the different uses of the upper extremities in these species. We have found that the triceps brachii of chimpanzees is more prepared for strength and power as an adaptation to locomotion, while the same muscle in humans is more prepared for speed and resistance to fatigue as an adaptation to manipulative activities. Our results increase the knowledge we have of the musculoskeletal system of chimpanzees and can be applied in various fields, such as comparative anatomy, evolutionary anatomy or anthropology. Abstract The anatomical and functional characteristics of the elbow extensor muscles (triceps brachii and anconeus) have not been widely studied in non-human hominoid primates, despite their great functional importance. In the present study, we have analyzed the muscle architecture and the expression of the myosin heavy chain (MHC) isoforms in the elbow extensors in humans and chimpanzees. Our main objective was to identify differences in these muscles that could be related to the different uses of the upper extremity in the two species. In five humans and five chimpanzees, we have analyzed muscle mass (MM), muscle fascicle length (MFL), and the physiological cross-sectional area (PCSA). In addition, we have assessed the expression of the MHC isoforms by RT-PCR. We have found high MM and PCSA values and higher expression of the MHC-IIx isoform in the triceps brachii of chimpanzees, while in humans, the triceps brachii has high MFL values and a higher expression of the MHC-I and MHC-IIa isoforms. In contrast, there were no significant differences between humans and chimpanzees in any of the values for the anconeus. These findings could be related to the participation of the triceps brachii in the locomotion of chimpanzees and to the use of the upper extremity in manipulative functions in humans. The results obtained in the anconeus support its primary function as a stabilizer of the elbow joint in the two species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marina de Diego
- Unit of Human Anatomy and Embryology, University of Barcelona, 08036 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Aroa Casado
- Unit of Human Anatomy and Embryology, University of Barcelona, 08036 Barcelona, Spain
- Institut d’Arqueologia de la Universitat de Barcelona (IAUB), Faculty of Geography and History, University of Barcelona (UB), 08001 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Mónica Gómez
- Unit of Human Anatomy and Embryology, University of Barcelona, 08036 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Neus Ciurana
- Unit of Human Anatomy and Embryology, University of Barcelona, 08036 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Patrícia Rodríguez
- Unit of Human Anatomy and Embryology, University of Barcelona, 08036 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Yasmina Avià
- Institut d’Arqueologia de la Universitat de Barcelona (IAUB), Faculty of Geography and History, University of Barcelona (UB), 08001 Barcelona, Spain
- Biological Anthropology Unit, Department of Animal Biology, Autonomous University of Barcelona, Bellaterra, 08193 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Elisabeth Cuesta-Torralvo
- Institut d’Arqueologia de la Universitat de Barcelona (IAUB), Faculty of Geography and History, University of Barcelona (UB), 08001 Barcelona, Spain
- Biological Anthropology Unit, Department of Animal Biology, Autonomous University of Barcelona, Bellaterra, 08193 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Natividad García
- Department of Anatomy and Radiology, University of Valladolid, 47005 Valladolid, Spain
| | - Isabel San José
- Department of Anatomy and Radiology, University of Valladolid, 47005 Valladolid, Spain
| | - Mercedes Barbosa
- Department of Anatomy and Radiology, University of Valladolid, 47005 Valladolid, Spain
| | - Félix de Paz
- Department of Anatomy and Radiology, University of Valladolid, 47005 Valladolid, Spain
| | - Juan Francisco Pastor
- Department of Anatomy and Radiology, University of Valladolid, 47005 Valladolid, Spain
| | - Josep Maria Potau
- Unit of Human Anatomy and Embryology, University of Barcelona, 08036 Barcelona, Spain
- Institut d’Arqueologia de la Universitat de Barcelona (IAUB), Faculty of Geography and History, University of Barcelona (UB), 08001 Barcelona, Spain
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +34-9-3402-1906
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Druelle F, Özçelebi J, Marchal F, Berillon G. Development of bipedal walking in olive baboons, Papio anubis: A kinematic analysis. AMERICAN JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL ANTHROPOLOGY 2022; 177:719-734. [PMID: 36787778 DOI: 10.1002/ajpa.24454] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2021] [Revised: 10/24/2021] [Accepted: 11/07/2021] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Although extant nonhuman primates are not habitual bipeds, they are able to walk bipedally from an early age. In humans, children improve their walking skills through developmental processes and learning experience. In nonhuman primates, infants do not routinely experience bipedalism and their musculoskeletal system gradually specializes for other locomotor modes. The aim of this study is to explore the development of occasional bipedal walking in olive baboon and to test whether the postural adjustments change with age. MATERIALS AND METHODS We collected kinematics and spatiotemporal parameters of bipedal gait in an ontogenetic sample of 24 baboons. Data were collected at the primatology station of the CNRS (France) and a total of 47 bipedal strides were extracted for the present analysis. RESULTS Adults and adolescents walk bipedally in the same way, and the average kinematic pattern is similar across the age-classes. Infants walk bipedally with longer duty factor, they present larger movement amplitude of the thigh and the amplitude of the knee joint decreases with speed. In contrast, older baboons increase the amplitude of the knee and ankle joints with speed. DISCUSSION In a non-adapted biped, the postural adjustments of bipedal walking vary with age. In infant baboons, the balance requirements are likely to be higher and these are solved by adopting a "blocking strategy". In older baboons, the postural adjustments are focused on the lower limb and the movements increase with speed. These results may echo, in some respects, the developmental sequence of the intersegmental coordination described in the ontogeny of human locomotion.
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Affiliation(s)
- François Druelle
- UMR 7194 (Histoire Naturelle de l'Homme Préhistorique), CNRS-Muséum National d'Histoire Naturelle-UPVD, Paris, France.,Functional Morphology Laboratory, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium.,UAR 846, Primatology Station-Celphedia, CNRS, Rousset, France
| | - Jonathan Özçelebi
- UMR 7194 (Histoire Naturelle de l'Homme Préhistorique), CNRS-Muséum National d'Histoire Naturelle-UPVD, Paris, France.,UMR 7268 (Anthropologie Bio-Culturelle, Droit, Ethique et Santé), CNRS-Faculté de Médecine, Marseille, France
| | - François Marchal
- UMR 7268 (Anthropologie Bio-Culturelle, Droit, Ethique et Santé), CNRS-Faculté de Médecine, Marseille, France
| | - Gilles Berillon
- UMR 7194 (Histoire Naturelle de l'Homme Préhistorique), CNRS-Muséum National d'Histoire Naturelle-UPVD, Paris, France.,UAR 846, Primatology Station-Celphedia, CNRS, Rousset, France
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24
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Li PH, Li WB, Li BW, Li YD, Wang X, Li JH. Positional Behavior and Substrate Use in Wild Tibetan Macaques. Animals (Basel) 2022; 12:ani12060767. [PMID: 35327164 PMCID: PMC8944434 DOI: 10.3390/ani12060767] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2022] [Revised: 03/15/2022] [Accepted: 03/16/2022] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Body size and individual development significantly affect positional behavior and substrate use. However, only a few studies have been conducted on immature wild macaques. We studied wild Tibetan macaques (Macaca thibetana) inhabiting Mt. Huangshan, China, to explore the degree of interspecific variation in positional behavior in relation to body weight and individual development. From September 2020 to August 2021, we used instantaneous scan sampling (duration 5 min, interval 10 min) to record age–sex groups, locomotions, postures, and substrate attributes. The results showed that Tibetan macaques used terrestrial substrates in nearly two-thirds of the recorded observations. The main postural modes were sitting and quadrupedal standing. The main locomotor modes were quadrupedal walking and climbing among all age–sex group records. Positional behavior and substrate use in adults only significantly differed from those in juveniles and infants. Although adult males were larger than the other age–sex groups, they did not climb and bridge more frequently than the other age–sex groups. The frequency of climbing, leaping, and suspension was significantly higher in juveniles than in adults. In addition, adult males used terrestrial and larger substrates more frequently, while juveniles and infants used arboreal substrates and terminals more frequently than adult males during traveling and feeding. We hypothesize that the more positional behavioral spectrum of Tibetan macaque juveniles’ may be related to rapid skeletal muscle development. These results suggest that differences in interspecific positional behavior may be caused by the individual development and survival needs of individuals, rather than just body size.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peng-Hui Li
- School of Resources and Environmental Engineering, Anhui University, Hefei 230601, China; (P.-H.L.); (W.-B.L.); (B.-W.L.); (Y.-D.L.); (X.W.)
- International Collaborative Research Center for Huangshan Biodiversity and Tibetan Macaque Behavior Ecology, Hefei 230601, China
| | - Wen-Bo Li
- School of Resources and Environmental Engineering, Anhui University, Hefei 230601, China; (P.-H.L.); (W.-B.L.); (B.-W.L.); (Y.-D.L.); (X.W.)
- International Collaborative Research Center for Huangshan Biodiversity and Tibetan Macaque Behavior Ecology, Hefei 230601, China
| | - Bo-Wen Li
- School of Resources and Environmental Engineering, Anhui University, Hefei 230601, China; (P.-H.L.); (W.-B.L.); (B.-W.L.); (Y.-D.L.); (X.W.)
- International Collaborative Research Center for Huangshan Biodiversity and Tibetan Macaque Behavior Ecology, Hefei 230601, China
| | - Ya-Dong Li
- School of Resources and Environmental Engineering, Anhui University, Hefei 230601, China; (P.-H.L.); (W.-B.L.); (B.-W.L.); (Y.-D.L.); (X.W.)
- International Collaborative Research Center for Huangshan Biodiversity and Tibetan Macaque Behavior Ecology, Hefei 230601, China
| | - Xi Wang
- School of Resources and Environmental Engineering, Anhui University, Hefei 230601, China; (P.-H.L.); (W.-B.L.); (B.-W.L.); (Y.-D.L.); (X.W.)
- International Collaborative Research Center for Huangshan Biodiversity and Tibetan Macaque Behavior Ecology, Hefei 230601, China
| | - Jin-Hua Li
- School of Resources and Environmental Engineering, Anhui University, Hefei 230601, China; (P.-H.L.); (W.-B.L.); (B.-W.L.); (Y.-D.L.); (X.W.)
- International Collaborative Research Center for Huangshan Biodiversity and Tibetan Macaque Behavior Ecology, Hefei 230601, China
- School of Life Sciences, Hefei Normal University, Hefei 230601, China
- Correspondence:
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25
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Saers JPP, Gordon AD, Ryan TM, Stock JT. Growth and development of trabecular structure in the calcaneus of Japanese macaques (Macaca fuscata) reflects locomotor behavior, life history, and neuromuscular development. J Anat 2022; 241:67-81. [PMID: 35178713 PMCID: PMC9178394 DOI: 10.1111/joa.13641] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2021] [Revised: 01/26/2022] [Accepted: 01/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Bone structure dynamically adapts to its mechanical environment throughout ontogeny by altering the structure of trabecular bone, the three-dimensional mesh-like structure found underneath joint surfaces. Trabecular structure, then, can provide a record of variation in loading directions and magnitude; and in ontogenetic samples, it can potentially be used to track developmental shifts in limb posture. We aim to broaden the analysis of trabecular bone ontogeny by incorporating interactions between ontogenetic variation in locomotor repertoire, neuromuscular maturation, and life history. We examine the associations between these variables and age-related variation in trabecular structure in the calcaneus of Japanese macaques (Macaca fuscata). We used high-resolution micro-computed tomography scanning to image the calcaneus in a cross-sectional sample of 34 juvenile M. fuscata aged between 0 and 7 years old at the Primate Research Institute, Japan. We calculated whole bone averages of standard trabecular properties and generated whole-bone morphometric maps of bone volume fraction and Young's modulus. Trabecular structure becomes increasingly heterogeneous in older individuals. Bone volume fraction (BV/total volume [TV]) decreases during the first month of life and increases afterward, coinciding with the onset of independent locomotion in M. fuscata. At birth, primary Young's modulus is oriented orthogonal to the ossification center, but after locomotor onset bone structure becomes stiffest in the direction of joint surfaces and muscle attachments. Age-related variation in bone volume fraction is best predicted by an interaction between the estimated percentage of adult brain size, body mass, and locomotor onset. To explain our findings, we propose a model where interactions between age-related increases in body weight and maturation of the neuromuscular system alter the loading environment of the calcaneus, to which the internal trabecular structure dynamically adapts. This model cannot be directly tested based on our cross-sectional data. However, confirmation of the model by longitudinal experiments and in multiple species would show that trabecular structure can be used both to infer behavior from fossil morphology and serve as a valuable proxy for neuromuscular maturation and life history events like locomotor onset and the achievement of an adult-like gait. This approach could significantly expand our knowledge of the biology and behavior of fossil species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jaap P P Saers
- Department of Archaeology, Cambridge University, Cambridge, UK
| | - Adam D Gordon
- Department of Anthropology, University at Albany, SUNY, Albany, New York, USA
| | - Timothy M Ryan
- Department of Anthropology, Pennsylvania State University, State College, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Jay T Stock
- Department of Archaeology, Cambridge University, Cambridge, UK.,Department of Anthropology, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada
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26
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Johnson RT, O'Neill MC, Umberger BR. The effects of posture on the three-dimensional gait mechanics of human walking in comparison to bipedal chimpanzees. J Exp Biol 2022; 225:274182. [DOI: 10.1242/jeb.243272] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2021] [Accepted: 01/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Humans walk with an upright posture on extended limbs during stance and with a double-peaked vertical ground reaction force. Our closest living relatives, chimpanzees, are facultative bipeds that walk with a crouched posture on flexed, abducted hind limbs and with a single-peaked vertical ground reaction force. Differences in human and bipedal chimpanzee three-dimensional kinematics have been well quantified, yet it is unclear what the independent effects of using a crouched posture are on three-dimensional gait mechanics for humans, and how they compare with chimpanzees. Understanding the relationships between posture and gait mechanics, with known differences in morphology between species, can help researchers better interpret the effects of trait evolution on bipedal walking. We quantified pelvis and lower limb three-dimensional kinematics and ground reaction forces as humans adopted a series of upright and crouched postures and compared them with data from bipedal chimpanzee walking. Human crouched posture gait mechanics were more similar to bipedal chimpanzee gait than normal human walking, especially in sagittal plane hip and knee angles. However, there were persistent differences between species, as humans walked with less transverse plane pelvis rotation, less hip abduction, and greater peak horizontal ground reaction force in late stance than chimpanzees. Our results suggest that human crouched posture walking reproduces only a small subset of the characteristics of three-dimensional kinematics and ground reaction forces of chimpanzee walking, with the remaining differences likely due in large part to the distinct musculoskeletal morphologies of humans and chimpanzees.
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Affiliation(s)
- Russell T. Johnson
- Department of Kinesiology, University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst MA, USA
- Division of Biokinesiology and Physical Therapy, University of Southern California, Los Angeles CA, USA
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27
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Vanhoof MJM, Galletta L, De Groote I, Vereecke EE. Functional signals and covariation in triquetrum and hamate shape of extant primates using 3D geometric morphometrics. J Morphol 2021; 282:1382-1401. [PMID: 34219278 DOI: 10.1002/jmor.21393] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2021] [Revised: 06/18/2021] [Accepted: 06/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
In this study, we want to investigate the covariation in the shape of two carpal bones, the triquetrum and hamate, and the possible association with locomotor behavior in a broad range of primate taxa. We applied 3D Geometric Morphometrics on a large data set comprising 309 anthropoid primates of 12 different genera. Principal component analyses were performed on the covariance matrix of 18 (triquetrum) and 23 (hamate) Procrustes-aligned surface landmarks. A two-block partial least square analysis was done to test the covariance between triquetrum and hamate shape, without relying on the predictive models implicit in regression analyses. The results show that the carpal shape of quadrupedal anthropoids, which mainly use their wrist under compressive conditions, differs from that of suspensory primates as their wrist is possibly subjected to tensile and torsional forces. Within the hominids, differences in shape also distinguish more terrestrial from more arboreal species. Even within the great apes, we are able to capture shape differences between species of the same genus. In combination with behavioral and biomechanical studies, the results of this research can be used to establish form-function relationships of the primate hand which will aid the functional interpretation of primate fossil remains.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marie J M Vanhoof
- Department of Development & Regeneration, Biomedical Sciences Group, KU Leuven Campus Kulak, Kortrijk, Belgium
| | - Lorenzo Galletta
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Deakin University, Waurn Pounds, Victoria, Australia
| | - Isabelle De Groote
- Department of Archaeology, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium.,Research Centre in Evolutionary Anthropology and Paleoecology, Liverpool John Moores University, Liverpool, UK
| | - Evie E Vereecke
- Department of Development & Regeneration, Biomedical Sciences Group, KU Leuven Campus Kulak, Kortrijk, Belgium
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Casado A, Avià Y, Llorente M, Riba D, Pastor JF, Potau JM. Effects of Captivity on the Morphology of the Insertion Sites of the Palmar Radiocarpal Ligaments in Hominoid Primates. Animals (Basel) 2021; 11:ani11071856. [PMID: 34206513 PMCID: PMC8300253 DOI: 10.3390/ani11071856] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2021] [Revised: 06/17/2021] [Accepted: 06/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary In this manuscript, we report the results of our 3D geometric morphometric analyses of the distal radial epiphysis in wild and captive gorillas, chimpanzees, and orangutans. We have identified significant differences in the insertion sites of the palmar radiocarpal ligaments between the wild and captive specimens of each species that are likely related to the locomotor behaviors developed in captivity. We believe that our study deals with a subject of great social impact in today’s world: the well-being of animals living in captivity, especially hominoid primates. Our findings provide novel information on the effect of captivity on the anatomy and locomotor behavior of hominoid primates. We trust that this information can be a basis for improving the artificial spaces where these captive primates live by increasing their available space and providing structures that more closely simulate their natural environment. Abstract The environmental conditions of captive hominoid primates can lead to modifications in several aspects of their behavior, including locomotion, which can then alter the morphological characteristics of certain anatomical regions, such as the knee or wrist. We have performed tridimensional geometric morphometrics (3D GM) analyses of the distal radial epiphysis in wild and captive gorillas, chimpanzees, and orangutans. Our objective was to study the morphology of the insertion sites of the palmar radiocarpal ligaments, since the anatomical characteristics of these insertion sites are closely related to the different types of locomotion of these hominoid primates. We have identified significant differences between the wild and captive specimens that are likely related to their different types of locomotion. Our results indicate that the habitat conditions of captive hominoid primates may cause them to modify their locomotor behavior, leading to a greater use of certain movements in captivity than in the wild and resulting in the anatomical changes we have observed. We suggest that creating more natural environments in zoological facilities could reduce the impact of these differences and also increase the well-being of primates raised in captive environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aroa Casado
- Unit of Human Anatomy and Embryology, University of Barcelona, 08036 Barcelona, Spain;
- Faculty of Geography and History, Institut d’Arqueologia de la Universitat de Barcelona, University of Barcelona, 08001 Barcelona, Spain;
| | - Yasmina Avià
- Faculty of Geography and History, Institut d’Arqueologia de la Universitat de Barcelona, University of Barcelona, 08001 Barcelona, Spain;
- Department of Evolutionary Biology, Ecology and Environmental Sciences, University of Barcelona, 08028 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Miquel Llorente
- Department of Psychology, Serra Húnter Fellow, University of Girona, 17004 Girona, Spain;
| | - David Riba
- Department of History and History of Art, University of Girona, 17004 Girona, Spain;
| | - Juan Francisco Pastor
- Department of Anatomy and Radiology, University of Valladolid, 47005 Valladolid, Spain;
| | - Josep Maria Potau
- Unit of Human Anatomy and Embryology, University of Barcelona, 08036 Barcelona, Spain;
- Faculty of Geography and History, Institut d’Arqueologia de la Universitat de Barcelona, University of Barcelona, 08001 Barcelona, Spain;
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +34-934-021-906
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Perchalski B. Headfirst descent behaviors in a comparative sample of strepsirrhine primates. Am J Primatol 2021; 83:e23259. [PMID: 33792948 DOI: 10.1002/ajp.23259] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2020] [Revised: 01/23/2021] [Accepted: 03/14/2021] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
The ability to safely ascend and descend is critical to the success of arboreal animals. Nonprimate mammals typically descend supports headfirst aided by their claws, but primates must rely on grasping, and use a variety of behaviors to move down within an arboreal environment, including headfirst and tailfirst descending. This study assesses hypothesized body mass limits on vertical headfirst descent and identifies approximate support orientations and diameters at which headfirst descent is ceased in a sample of nine strepsirrhines species ranging in mass from 0.06 to 4.5 kg. Species under 1 kg, arboreal quadrupeds Cheirogaleus medius and Microcebus murinus, and slow climber Nycticebus pygmaeus, always descended supports headfirst regardless of orientation and diameter as long as a grasp could be established. Arboreal quadrupedal species above 1 kg, Daubetonia madagascariensis, Eulemur coronatus, Eulemur mongoz, Lemur catta, and Varecia variegata differed in the orientation at which they ceased using headfirst descent and the types of alternative descending behaviors they employed. Lemur catta, a highly terrestrial species, started to employ tailfirst descents at 45° and completely stopped using headfirst descent on steeper and thicker supports. Other arboreal quadrupeds, D. madagascariensis, E. coronatus, E. mongoz, and V. variegata, began using tailfirst descent at 60°. The vertical clinging and leaping species Propithecus coquereli rarely engaged in above branch quadrupedalism, and individuals were observed using tailfirst descents on supports as shallow as 15°. This study shows the ways in which mass and anatomy may constrain use of headfirst descent through arboreal environments, and the alternate strategies strepsirrhine primates employ to descend.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bernadette Perchalski
- Graduate Program in Evolutionary Anthropology, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, USA.,Department of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Arizona College of Medicine Phoenix, Phoenix, Arizona, USA
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Boulinguez-Ambroise G, Herrel A, Berillon G, Young JW, Cornette R, Meguerditchian A, Cazeau C, Bellaiche L, Pouydebat E. Increased performance in juvenile baboons is consistent with ontogenetic changes in morphology. AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PHYSICAL ANTHROPOLOGY 2021; 175:546-558. [PMID: 33483958 DOI: 10.1002/ajpa.24235] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2020] [Revised: 11/19/2020] [Accepted: 01/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES In many primates, the greater proportion of climbing and suspensory behaviors in the juvenile repertoire likely necessitates good grasping capacities. Here, we tested whether very young individuals show near-maximal levels of grasping strength, and whether such an early onset of grasping performance could be explained by ontogenetic variability in the morphology of the limbs in baboons. MATERIAL AND METHODS We quantified a performance trait, hand pull strength, at the juvenile and adult stages in a cross-sectional sample of 15 olive baboons (Papio anubis). We also quantified bone dimensions (i.e., lengths, widths, and heights) of the fore- (n = 25) and hind limb (n = 21) elements based on osteological collections covering the whole development of olive baboons. RESULTS One-year old individuals demonstrated very high pull strengths (i.e., 200% of the adult performance, relative to body mass), that are consistent with relatively wider phalanges and digit joints in juveniles. The mature proportions and shape of the forelimb elements appeared only at full adulthood (i.e., ≥4.5 years), whereas the mature hind limb proportions and shape were observed much earlier during development. DISCUSSION These changes in limb performance and morphology across ontogeny may be explained with regard to behavioral transitions that olive baboons experience during their development. Our findings highlight the effect of infant clinging to mother, an often-neglected feature when discussing the origins of grasping in primates. The differences in growth patterns, we found between the forelimb and the hind limb further illustrate their different functional roles, having likely evolved under different ecological pressures (manipulation and locomotion, respectively).
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Affiliation(s)
- Grégoire Boulinguez-Ambroise
- Mecanismes Adaptatifs et Évolution UMR7179, CNRS-National Museum of Natural History, Paris Cedex 5, France.,Laboratoire de Psychologie Cognitive UMR7290, CNRS, Aix-Marseille Univ, Marseille, France.,Station de Primatologie CNRS, Rousset-sur-Arc, France
| | - Anthony Herrel
- Mecanismes Adaptatifs et Évolution UMR7179, CNRS-National Museum of Natural History, Paris Cedex 5, France
| | - Gilles Berillon
- Station de Primatologie CNRS, Rousset-sur-Arc, France.,Département Homme et Environnement, Musée de L'Homme, UMR 7194 CNRS-MNHN, Place du Trocadéro, Paris, France
| | - Jesse W Young
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, Northeast Ohio Medical University, Rootstown, Ohio, USA
| | - Raphaël Cornette
- Origine, Structure et Evolution de la Biodiversité, UMR 7205, CNRS/MNHN, Paris, France
| | - Adrien Meguerditchian
- Laboratoire de Psychologie Cognitive UMR7290, CNRS, Aix-Marseille Univ, Marseille, France.,Station de Primatologie CNRS, Rousset-sur-Arc, France
| | | | | | - Emmanuelle Pouydebat
- Mecanismes Adaptatifs et Évolution UMR7179, CNRS-National Museum of Natural History, Paris Cedex 5, France
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31
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Nadell JA, Elton S, Kovarovic K. Ontogenetic and morphological variation in primate long bones reflects signals of size and behavior. AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PHYSICAL ANTHROPOLOGY 2020; 174:327-351. [PMID: 33368154 DOI: 10.1002/ajpa.24198] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2019] [Revised: 11/08/2020] [Accepted: 11/19/2020] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Many primates change their locomotor behavior as they mature from infancy to adulthood. Here we investigate how long bone cross-sectional geometry in Pan, Gorilla, Pongo, Hylobatidae, and Macaca varies in shape and form over ontogeny, including whether specific diaphyseal cross sections exhibit signals of periosteal adaptation or canalization. MATERIALS AND METHODS Diaphyseal cross sections were analyzed in an ontogenetic series across infant, juvenile, and adult subgroups. Three-dimensional laser-scanned long bone models were sectioned at midshaft (50% of biomechanical length) and distally (20%) along the humerus and femur. Traditional axis ratios acted as indices of cross-sectional circularity, while geometric morphometric techniques were used to study cross-sectional allometry and ontogenetic trajectory. RESULTS The humeral midshaft is a strong indicator of posture and locomotor profile in the sample across development, while the mid-femur appears more reflective of shifts in size. By comparison, the distal diaphyses of both limb elements are more ontogenetically constrained, where periosteal shape is largely static across development relative to size, irrespective of a given taxon's behavior or ecology. DISCUSSION Primate limb shape is not only highly variable between taxa over development, but at discrete humeral and femoral diaphyseal locations. Overall, periosteal shape of the humeral and femoral midshaft cross sections closely reflects ontogenetic transitions in behavior and size, respectively, while distal shape in both bones appears more genetically constrained across intraspecific development, regardless of posture or size. These findings support prior research on tradeoffs between function and safety along the limbs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jason A Nadell
- Department of Anthropology, Durham University, Durham, United Kingdom
| | - Sarah Elton
- Department of Anthropology, Durham University, Durham, United Kingdom
| | - Kris Kovarovic
- Department of Anthropology, Durham University, Durham, United Kingdom
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Patel BA, Orr CM, Jashashvili T. Strength properties of extant hominoid hallucal and pollical metapodials. J Hum Evol 2020; 143:102774. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jhevol.2020.102774] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2019] [Revised: 03/05/2020] [Accepted: 03/05/2020] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
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Phalangeal curvature in a chimpanzee raised like a human: Implications for inferring arboreality in fossil hominins. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2020; 117:11223-11225. [PMID: 32393625 PMCID: PMC7260939 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2004371117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Arboreal primates such as chimpanzees exhibit pronounced curvature in their hand and foot phalanges, which is assumed to develop throughout life in response to mechanical loads produced by grasping and hanging from branches. Intriguingly, ancient fossil hominins also exhibit substantial phalangeal curvature, which, too, has been interpreted as a direct result of habitual arboreality during life. Here, we describe the phalangeal curvature of a chimpanzee who was raised during the 1930s in New York City to live much like a human, including by having very few opportunities to engage in arboreal activities. We show that the degree of hand and foot phalangeal curvature in this individual is indistinguishable from that of wild chimpanzees and distinct from humans. Thus, rather than being a direct effect of mechanical loads produced by lifetime arboreal activities, phalangeal curvature appears to be shaped largely by genetic factors. An important implication of this finding is that phalangeal curvature among fossil hominins is evidently best interpreted as a primitive trait inherited from an arboreal ancestral species rather than proof of engagement in arboreal activities during life.
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Boulinguez-Ambroise G, Herrel A, Pouydebat E. Ontogeny of locomotion in mouse lemurs: Implications for primate evolution. J Hum Evol 2020; 142:102732. [PMID: 32172006 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhevol.2019.102732] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2019] [Revised: 11/20/2019] [Accepted: 12/02/2019] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
The environment of juvenile primates is very challenging. They have to forage and move on the same substrates as adults do and escape the same predators, despite their immature state. In this study, we explore the developmental strategies that may provide effective locomotor abilities early in life. This could provide new insights into the selective pressures acting on juvenile primates and into evolution of primate locomotion. We conducted an ontogenetic study of 36 arboreal gray mouse lemurs from birth to adulthood (6 months of age). The investigated parameters were, for both limbs, (1) grasping behavior during locomotion (i.e., grip postures), (2) grasping performance (i.e., pull strength), and (3) motor coordination (i.e., rotarod test). Our results show that 8-day-old babies are able to climb substrates of various slopes and diameters outside of their nest. Although juveniles cannot successfully complete a motor coordination test before 30 days of age, young individuals display relative pull strengths that are very high or even on par with adults, guaranteeing stability on narrow substrates. These powerful grasps highlight the importance of the grasping function for these juveniles that are not carried and move independently on arboreal substrates shortly after their first week of life. Moreover, the pedal grasping provides a secure grasp on all substrates across ontogeny; however, manual secure grasps decrease during development, being highly used only shortly after birth on vertical and narrow substrates. These results first suggest different functional roles of the hands and feet, with the hind limbs ensuring body balance on the substrates, freeing the upper limbs for manipulation. They further show vertical and narrow branches to be especially challenging, requiring strong grasps, which suggests that they may drive the evolution of strong grasping abilities in primates.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Anthony Herrel
- UMR 7179-CNRS, National Museum of Natural History, 75321, Paris, Cedex 5, France
| | - Emmanuelle Pouydebat
- UMR 7179-CNRS, National Museum of Natural History, 75321, Paris, Cedex 5, France
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35
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Gómez M, Casado A, De Diego M, Arias-Martorell J, Pastor JF, Potau JM. Quantitative shape analysis of the deltoid tuberosity of modern humans (Homo sapiens) and common chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes). Ann Anat 2020; 230:151505. [PMID: 32173565 DOI: 10.1016/j.aanat.2020.151505] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2019] [Revised: 02/17/2020] [Accepted: 03/01/2020] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE To identify anatomical differences in the deltoid tuberosity of Homo sapiens and Pan troglodytes, potentially relating to the different uses of the forelimb in these two phylogenetically related species. BASIC PROCEDURES We have used three-dimensional geometric morphometrics (3D GM) to analyze the deltoid tuberosity of scanned humeri from 30 H. sapiens and 27 P. troglodytes. We also used the 3D scans of the humeri to calculate the surface area of the deltoid tuberosity. Finally, we dissected the deltoid muscles of three H. sapiens and three P. troglodytes to determine the relative mass and the physiological cross-sectional area (PCSA) of each part of the muscle. MAIN FINDINGS The 3D GM analysis of the deltoid tuberosity identified an anteroposterior enlargement of the P. troglodytes tuberosity, with a lateral displacement of the middle segment, whereas in H. sapiens, there was a distal displacement of the middle segment. Muscle architecture analysis indicated higher normalized values of the PCSA of the clavicular and acromial deltoid in P. troglodytes. PRINCIPAL CONCLUSIONS The anatomical features observed in our P. troglodytes specimens serve to strengthen the three parts of the deltoid muscle. This fact can be related to the use of the forelimb in locomotion, both arboreal and knuckle-walking, in this species. Humans use the forelimb mainly in manipulative tasks, so they do not develop - as do chimpanzees - the anatomical features that increase the deltoid force. Our findings have shown that the different uses of the forelimb in modern humans and common chimpanzees can affect both muscle architecture and bone morphology, either jointly or separately.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mónica Gómez
- Unit of Human Anatomy and Embryology, University of Barcelona, C/Casanova 143, 08036 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Aroa Casado
- Unit of Human Anatomy and Embryology, University of Barcelona, C/Casanova 143, 08036 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Marina De Diego
- Unit of Human Anatomy and Embryology, University of Barcelona, C/Casanova 143, 08036 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Júlia Arias-Martorell
- Animal Postcranial Evolution (APE) Lab, Skeletal Biology Research Centre, School of Anthropology and Conservation, University of Kent, Canterbury, CT2 7NR, UK
| | - Juan Francisco Pastor
- Department of Anatomy and Radiology, University of Valladolid, C/Ramón y Cajal 7, 47005, Valladolid, Spain
| | - Josep Maria Potau
- Unit of Human Anatomy and Embryology, University of Barcelona, C/Casanova 143, 08036 Barcelona, Spain.
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36
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Reitmaier S, Schmidt H. Review article on spine kinematics of quadrupeds and bipeds during walking. J Biomech 2020; 102:109631. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jbiomech.2020.109631] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2019] [Revised: 01/07/2020] [Accepted: 01/12/2020] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
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Nalley TK, Scott JE, Ward CV, Alemseged Z. Comparative morphology and ontogeny of the thoracolumbar transition in great apes, humans, and fossil hominins. J Hum Evol 2019; 134:102632. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jhevol.2019.06.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2018] [Revised: 06/19/2019] [Accepted: 06/19/2019] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
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38
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Marchi D, Harper C, Chirchir H, Ruff C. Relative fibular strength and locomotor behavior in KNM-WT 15000 and OH 35. J Hum Evol 2019; 131:48-60. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jhevol.2019.02.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2018] [Revised: 02/01/2019] [Accepted: 02/21/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
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39
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Komza K, Skinner MM. First metatarsal trabecular bone structure in extant hominoids and Swartkrans hominins. J Hum Evol 2019; 131:1-21. [PMID: 31182196 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhevol.2019.03.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2018] [Revised: 02/25/2019] [Accepted: 03/04/2019] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
Changes in first metatarsal (MT1) morphology within the hominin clade are crucial for reconstructing the evolution of a forefoot adapted for human-like gait. Studies of the external morphology of the MT1 in humans, non-human apes, and fossil hominins have documented changes in its robusticity, epiphyseal shape and its articulation with the medial cuneiform. Here, we test whether trabecular structure in the MT1 reflects different loading patterns in the forefoot across extant large apes and humans, and within this comparative context, infer locomotor behavior in two fossil hominins from Swartkrans, South Africa. Microtomographic scans were collected from the MT1 of Pongo sp. (n = 6), Gorilla gorilla (n = 10), Pan troglodytes (n = 10), Homo sapiens (n = 11), as well as SKX 5017 (Paranthropus robustus), and SK 1813 (Hominin gen. sp. indet.). Trabecular structure was quantified within the head and base using a 'whole-epiphysis' approach with medtool 4.2. We found that modern humans displayed relatively higher bone volume fraction (BV/TV) in the dorsal region of each epiphysis and a higher overall degree of anisotropy (DA), whereas great apes showed higher BV/TV in the plantar regions, reflecting dorsiflexion at the metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joint in the former and plantarflexion in the latter. Both fossils displayed low DA, with SKX 5017 showing a hyper-dorsal concentration of trabecular bone in the head (similar to humans), while SK 1813 showed a more central trabecular distribution not seen in either humans or non-human apes. Additionally, we found differences between non-human apes, modern humans, and the fossil taxa in trabecular spacing (Tb.Sp.), number (Tb.N.), and thickness (Tb.th.). While low DA in both fossils suggests increased mobility of the MT1, differences in their trabecular distributions could indicate variable locomotion in these Pleistocene hominins (recognizing that the juvenile status of SK 1813 is a potential confounding factor). In particular, evidence for consistent loading in hyper-dorsiflexion in SKX 5017 would suggest locomotor behaviors beyond human-like toe off during terrestrial locomotion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Klara Komza
- Department of Anthropology, University of Toronto, Canada; School of Anthropology and Conservation, University of Kent, Canterbury, United Kingdom.
| | - Matthew M Skinner
- School of Anthropology and Conservation, University of Kent, Canterbury, United Kingdom; Department of Human Evolution, Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology, Leipzig, Germany
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40
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Wuthrich C, MacLatchy LM, Nengo IO. Wrist morphology reveals substantial locomotor diversity among early catarrhines: an analysis of capitates from the early Miocene of Tinderet (Kenya). Sci Rep 2019; 9:3728. [PMID: 30842461 PMCID: PMC6403298 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-39800-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2018] [Accepted: 01/24/2019] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Considerable taxonomic diversity has been recognised among early Miocene catarrhines (apes, Old World monkeys, and their extinct relatives). However, locomotor diversity within this group has eluded characterization, bolstering a narrative that nearly all early catarrhines shared a primitive locomotor repertoire resembling that of the well-described arboreal quadruped Ekembo heseloni. Here we describe and analyse seven catarrhine capitates from the Tinderet Miocene sequence of Kenya, dated to ~20 Ma. 3D morphometrics derived from these specimens and a sample of extant and fossil capitates are subjected to a series of multivariate comparisons, with results suggesting a variety of locomotor repertoires were present in this early Miocene setting. One of the fossil specimens is uniquely derived among early and middle Miocene capitates, representing the earliest known instance of great ape-like wrist morphology and supporting the presence of a behaviourally advanced ape at Songhor. We suggest Rangwapithecus as this catarrhine’s identity, and posit expression of derived, ape-like features as a criterion for distinguishing this taxon from Proconsul africanus. We also introduce a procedure for quantitative estimation of locomotor diversity and find the Tinderet sample to equal or exceed large extant catarrhine groups in this metric, demonstrating greater functional diversity among early catarrhines than previously recognised.
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Affiliation(s)
- Craig Wuthrich
- Department of Anthropology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA. .,Department of Evolutionary Anthropology, Duke University, Durham, NC, 27708, USA.
| | - Laura M MacLatchy
- Department of Anthropology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA
| | - Isaiah O Nengo
- Turkana Basin Institute, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY, 11794, USA.,Turkana University College, P.O. Box 69-30500, Lodwar, Kenya
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41
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Boulinguez‐Ambroise G, Zablocki‐Thomas P, Aujard F, Herrel A, Pouydebat E. Ontogeny of food grasping in mouse lemurs: behavior, morphology and performance. J Zool (1987) 2019. [DOI: 10.1111/jzo.12652] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - F. Aujard
- UMR 7179‐ CNRS, National Museum of Natural History Paris France
| | - A. Herrel
- UMR 7179‐ CNRS, National Museum of Natural History Paris France
| | - E. Pouydebat
- UMR 7179‐ CNRS, National Museum of Natural History Paris France
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42
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Affiliation(s)
- TASUKU KIMURA
- The University Museum, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo
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43
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Druelle F, Schoonaert K, Aerts P, Nauwelaerts S, Stevens JMG, D'Août K. Segmental morphometrics of bonobos (Pan paniscus): are they really different from chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes)? J Anat 2018; 233:843-853. [PMID: 30294787 PMCID: PMC6231171 DOI: 10.1111/joa.12894] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/29/2018] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
The inertial properties of body segments reflect performance and locomotor habits in primates. While Pan paniscus is generally described as more gracile, lighter in body mass, and as having relatively longer and heavier hindlimbs than Pan troglodytes, both species exhibit very similar patterns of (quadrupedal and bipedal) kinematics, but show slightly different locomotor repertoires. We used a geometric model to estimate the inertial properties for all body segments (i.e. head, trunk, upper and lower arms, hand, thigh, shank and foot) using external length and diameter measurements of 12 anaesthetized bonobos (eight adults and four immatures). We also calculated whole limb inertial properties. When we compared absolute and relative segment morphometric and inertial variables between bonobos and chimpanzees, we found that adult bonobos are significantly lighter than adult chimpanzees. The bonobo is also shorter in head length, upper and lower arm lengths, and foot length, and is generally lighter in most absolute segment mass values (except head and hand). In contrast, the bonobo has a longer trunk. When scaled relative to body mass, most differences disappear between the two species. Only the longer trunk and the shorter head of the bonobo remain apparent, as well as the lighter thigh compared with the chimpanzee. We found similar values of natural pendular periods of the limbs in both species, despite differences in absolute limb lengths, masses, mass centres (for the hindlimb) and moments of inertia. While our data contradict the commonly accepted view that bonobos have relatively longer and heavier hindlimbs than chimpanzees, they are consistent with the observed similarities in the quadrupedal and bipedal kinematics between these species. The morphological differences between both species are more subtle than those previously described from postcranial osteological materials.
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Affiliation(s)
- François Druelle
- Laboratory for Functional MorphologyUniversity of AntwerpWilrijkBelgium
| | - Kirsten Schoonaert
- Laboratory for Functional MorphologyUniversity of AntwerpWilrijkBelgium
- Antwerp Zoo Centre for Research and ConservationAntwerpBelgium
| | - Peter Aerts
- Laboratory for Functional MorphologyUniversity of AntwerpWilrijkBelgium
- Department of Movement and Sports SciencesUniversity of GhentGentBelgium
| | - Sandra Nauwelaerts
- Laboratory for Functional MorphologyUniversity of AntwerpWilrijkBelgium
- Antwerp Zoo Centre for Research and ConservationAntwerpBelgium
| | - Jeroen M. G. Stevens
- Antwerp Zoo Centre for Research and ConservationAntwerpBelgium
- Institute of Ageing and Chronic DiseaseUniversity of LiverpoolLiverpoolUK
| | - Kristiaan D'Août
- Behavioural Ecology and Ecophysiology GroupUniversity of AntwerpWilrijkBelgium
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Chirchir H. Trabecular Bone Fraction Variation in Modern Humans, Fossil Hominins and Other Primates. Anat Rec (Hoboken) 2018; 302:288-305. [DOI: 10.1002/ar.23967] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2017] [Revised: 06/04/2018] [Accepted: 06/25/2018] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Habiba Chirchir
- Department of Biological SciencesMarshall University Huntington West Virginia
- Human Origins ProgramNational Museum of Natural History, Smithsonian Institution Washington, D.C
- Department of AnthropologyNew York University New York New York
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Tsegai ZJ, Skinner MM, Pahr DH, Hublin JJ, Kivell TL. Ontogeny and variability of trabecular bone in the chimpanzee humerus, femur and tibia. AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PHYSICAL ANTHROPOLOGY 2018; 167:713-736. [DOI: 10.1002/ajpa.23696] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2018] [Revised: 06/22/2018] [Accepted: 07/23/2018] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Zewdi J. Tsegai
- Department of Human Evolution; Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology; Leipzig Germany
| | - Matthew M. Skinner
- Skeletal Biology Research Center; School of Anthropology and Conservation, University of Kent; Canterbury United Kingdom
- Department of Human Evolution; Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology; Leipzig Germany
| | - Dieter H. Pahr
- Institute for Lightweight Design and Structural Biomechanics; Vienna University of Technology; Wien Austria
| | - Jean-Jacques Hublin
- Department of Human Evolution; Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology; Leipzig Germany
| | - Tracy L. Kivell
- Skeletal Biology Research Center; School of Anthropology and Conservation, University of Kent; Canterbury United Kingdom
- Department of Human Evolution; Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology; Leipzig Germany
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Tsegai ZJ, Skinner MM, Pahr DH, Hublin J, Kivell TL. Systemic patterns of trabecular bone across the human and chimpanzee skeleton. J Anat 2018; 232:641-656. [PMID: 29344941 PMCID: PMC5835784 DOI: 10.1111/joa.12776] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/07/2017] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Aspects of trabecular bone architecture are thought to reflect regional loading of the skeleton, and thus differ between primate taxa with different locomotor and postural modes. However, there are several systemic factors that affect bone structure that could contribute to, or be the primary factor determining, interspecific differences in bone structure. These systemic factors include differences in genetic regulation, sensitivity to loading, hormone levels, diet, and activity levels. Improved understanding of inter-/intraspecific variability, and variability across the skeleton of an individual, is required to interpret properly potential functional signals present within trabecular structure. Using a whole-region method of analysis, we investigated trabecular structure throughout the skeleton of humans and chimpanzees. Trabecular bone volume fraction (BV/TV), degree of anisotropy (DA) and trabecular thickness (Tb.Th) were quantified from high resolution micro-computed tomographic scans of the humeral and femoral head, third metacarpal and third metatarsal head, distal tibia, talus and first thoracic vertebra. We found that BV/TV is, in most anatomical sites, significantly higher in chimpanzees than in humans, suggesting a systemic difference in trabecular structure unrelated to local loading regime. Differences in BV/TV between the forelimb and hindlimb did not clearly reflect differences in locomotor loading in the study taxa. There were no clear systemic differences between the taxa in DA and, as such, this parameter might reflect function and relate to differences in joint loading. This systemic approach reveals both the pattern of variability across the skeleton and between taxa, and helps identify those features of trabecular structure that may relate to joint function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zewdi J. Tsegai
- Department of Human EvolutionMax Planck Institute for Evolutionary AnthropologyLeipzigGermany
| | - Matthew M. Skinner
- Department of Human EvolutionMax Planck Institute for Evolutionary AnthropologyLeipzigGermany
- Skeletal Biology Research CentreSchool of Anthropology and ConservationUniversity of KentCanterburyUK
| | - Dieter H. Pahr
- Institute of Lightweight Design and Structural BiomechanicsVienna University of TechnologyViennaAustria
| | - Jean‐Jacques Hublin
- Department of Human EvolutionMax Planck Institute for Evolutionary AnthropologyLeipzigGermany
| | - Tracy L. Kivell
- Department of Human EvolutionMax Planck Institute for Evolutionary AnthropologyLeipzigGermany
- Skeletal Biology Research CentreSchool of Anthropology and ConservationUniversity of KentCanterburyUK
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47
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Villamil CI. Phenotypic integration of the cervical vertebrae in the Hominoidea (Primates). Evolution 2018; 72:490-517. [DOI: 10.1111/evo.13433] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2017] [Revised: 01/11/2018] [Accepted: 01/12/2018] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Catalina I. Villamil
- Department of Anthropology; Dickinson College; P.O. Box 1773 Carlisle Pennsylvania 17013
- Center for the Study of Human Origins, Department of Anthropology; New York University; 25 Waverly Place New York New York 10003
- New York Consortium in Evolutionary Primatology; New York New York 10024
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Young JW, Shapiro LJ. Developments in development: What have we learned from primate locomotor ontogeny? AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PHYSICAL ANTHROPOLOGY 2018; 165 Suppl 65:37-71. [DOI: 10.1002/ajpa.23388] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Jesse W. Young
- Department of Anatomy and NeurobiologyNortheast Ohio Medical University (NEOMED)Rootstown Ohio, 44272
| | - Liza J. Shapiro
- Department of AnthropologyUniversity of TexasAustin Texas, 78712
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49
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Patel BA, Organ JM, Jashashvili T, Bui SH, Dunsworth HM. Ontogeny of hallucal metatarsal rigidity and shape in the rhesus monkey (Macaca mulatta) and chimpanzee (Pan troglodytes). J Anat 2018; 232:39-53. [PMID: 29098692 PMCID: PMC5735049 DOI: 10.1111/joa.12720] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/07/2017] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Life history variables including the timing of locomotor independence, along with changes in preferred locomotor behaviors and substrate use during development, influence how primates use their feet throughout ontogeny. Changes in foot function during development, in particular the nature of how the hallux is used in grasping, can lead to different structural changes in foot bones. To test this hypothesis, metatarsal midshaft rigidity [estimated from the polar second moment of area (J) scaled to bone length] and cross-sectional shape (calculated from the ratio of maximum and minimum second moments of area, Imax /Imin ) were examined in a cross-sectional ontogenetic sample of rhesus macaques (Macaca mulatta; n = 73) and common chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes; n = 79). Results show the hallucal metatarsal (Mt1) is relatively more rigid (with higher scaled J-values) in younger chimpanzees and macaques, with significant decreases in relative rigidity in both taxa until the age of achieving locomotor independence. Within each age group, Mt1 rigidity is always significantly higher in chimpanzees than macaques. When compared with the lateral metatarsals (Mt2-5), the Mt1 is relatively more rigid in both taxa and across all ages; however, this difference is significantly greater in chimpanzees. Length and J scale with negative allometry in all metatarsals and in both species (except the Mt2 of chimpanzees, which scales with positive allometry). Only in macaques does Mt1 midshaft shape significantly change across ontogeny, with older individuals having more elliptical cross-sections. Different patterns of development in metatarsal diaphyseal rigidity and shape likely reflect the different ways in which the foot, and in particular the hallux, functions across ontogeny in apes and monkeys.
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Affiliation(s)
- Biren A. Patel
- Department of Integrative Anatomical SciencesKeck School of MedicineUniversity of Southern CaliforniaLos AngelesCAUSA
- Human and Evolutionary Biology SectionDepartment of Biological SciencesUniversity of Southern CaliforniaLos AngelesCAUSA
| | - Jason M. Organ
- Department of Anatomy and Cell BiologyIndiana University School of MedicineIndianapolisINUSA
- Department of Biomedical EngineeringIndiana University – Purdue University IndianapolisIndianapolisINUSA
| | - Tea Jashashvili
- Molecular Imaging CenterDepartment of RadiologyKeck School of MedicineUniversity of Southern CaliforniaLos AngelesCAUSA
- Department of Geology and PaleontologyGeorgian National MuseumTbilisiGeorgia
| | - Stephanie H. Bui
- Human and Evolutionary Biology SectionDepartment of Biological SciencesUniversity of Southern CaliforniaLos AngelesCAUSA
| | - Holly M. Dunsworth
- Department of Sociology and AnthropologyUniversity of Rhode IslandKingstonRIUSA
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Druelle F, Young J, Berillon G. Behavioral implications of ontogenetic changes in intrinsic hand and foot proportions in olive baboons (Papio Anubis). AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PHYSICAL ANTHROPOLOGY 2017; 165:65-76. [DOI: 10.1002/ajpa.23331] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2017] [Revised: 09/15/2017] [Accepted: 09/18/2017] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- François Druelle
- Laboratory for Functional Morphology, Department of Biology; University of Antwerp, Universiteitsplein 1; Antwerpen, B-2610 Belgium
- Primatology Station of the CNRS, UPS 846, RD 56; Rousset-sur-Arc, 13790 France
| | - Jesse Young
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology; Northeast Ohio Medical University, NEOMED 4209 State Route 44; Rootstown Ohio 44272
| | - Gilles Berillon
- Primatology Station of the CNRS, UPS 846, RD 56; Rousset-sur-Arc, 13790 France
- Département de Préhistoire; Musée de L'Homme, UMR 7194 CNRS-MNHN, Place du Trocadéro; Paris, 75116 France
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