Premium
Covariation Among Elements of the Bony Torso in Anthropoid Primates
Author(s) -
Ward Carol,
Peacock Sarah,
Winkler Zachariah,
Maddux Scott
Publication year - 2015
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.29.1_supplement.701.1
Subject(s) - torso , pectoral girdle , anatomy , rib cage , biology , evolutionary biology , humerus , adaptation (eye) , fossil record , paleontology , neuroscience
A cornerstone assumption for reconstructing ape evolution is that the hominoid torso differs from that of monkeys, reflecting adaptation to below‐branch arboreality. The fossil record leaves only sporadic bony remains, however, forcing paleontologists to rely on hypothesized covariation among bones to infer torso structure. Recent data suggesting more variation within the torso than previously appreciated challenges long‐held assumptions used to make these inferences. To explore these associations, linear and landmark data were collected from vertebrae, sterna, ribs, pelves, clavicles, scapulae and humeri of 256 anthropoids. Also, intact torsos of 57 cadavers were CT scanned. Data reveal significant correlations among lumbar vertebral, lower rib, and iliac morphology. Correlations between upper and lower portions of the rib cage are weak, as are relations among ribs, pectoral girdle and humerus. Patterns of allometry also vary among regions. These results reflect differing selection pressures and structural constraints on parts of the torso, and provide data with which to more accurately infer aspects of torso form, and locomotor adaptation, in fossil anthropoids.