Reconstructing the mechanics of quadrupedalism in an extinct hominoid

Traditionally, analogising comparative anatomical approaches, working on features of individual bony elements, have led to the Miocene hominoids Proconsul heseloni and P. nyanzae being described as arboreal, with a variety of possible locomotion modes. Whilst most researchers seemingly agree that quadrupedal was one of the most frequently adopted modes, any deeper knowledge about the kinematical characteristics of such quadrupedalism is very limited. Based on the previous studies and a computer simulation technique developed in our laboratory, a set of alternative models for Proconsul quadrupedalism was created. The body measurements and initial properties for the different models were held constant, using data from published literature if available, or otherwise estimated from data for Pan. Judged by the power output of joints, the results of computer simulation indicate that the style of quadrupedal locomotion typical of living macaques fits the body proportions of Proconsul better than that of Canis domesticus, Varecia variegata, Cebus albifrons or Pan troglodytes. It may reasonably be assumed that Proconsul's quadrupedal mode was similar to that of living macaques.