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Examination of foramen magnum position in relationship to the degree of bipedalism in mammals
Author(s) -
Abati Jena Michelle,
Hechtel Laura
Publication year - 2018
Publication title -
the faseb journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.709
H-Index - 277
eISSN - 1530-6860
pISSN - 0892-6638
DOI - 10.1096/fasebj.2018.32.1_supplement.509.5
Subject(s) - foramen magnum , quadrupedalism , anatomy , bipedalism , biology , trunk , ecology
A more inferior and anterior positioning of the foramen magnum has been found in bipedal mammals, such as humans while quadrupedal mammals are known to have a more superior and posterior positioning. However, it is not known if the degree to which this positioning varies is related to the degree of bipedal stance taken by quadrupeds. In this study, it was predicted that mammal species that can assume a more bipedal stance and often lift their head and trunk in order to more effectively feed, forage, or protect themselves, are likely to have a more inferior and anterior positioning of the foramen magnum when compared to completely quadrupedal mammalian species. In this study, foramen magnum position was compared in various mammalian skulls provided by the Cornell University Museum of the Vertebrates. Measurements of the foramen magnum in relationship to other cranial structures were taken including, the nuchal crest to the superior edge and inferior edge of the foramen magnum, the nuchal crest to the base of the occipital condyles, and the superior edge of the palatine to the inferior edge of the foramen magnum. Results indicate a significant difference in foramen magnum positioning between completely quadrupedal mammals (e.g. Canis latrans ), and those mammals capable of taking a bipedal stance on occasion (e.g. Ursus americanus and Sciurus caroliensis ). Therefore, the positioning of the foramen magnum is most likely a continuum and reflects the degree to which a mammal is likely to utilize a bipedal stance for feeding or protection from predation. This abstract is from the Experimental Biology 2018 Meeting. There is no full text article associated with this abstract published in The FASEB Journal .