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Published on: August 8, 2019
Evolution of grasping among anthropoids.
E Pouydebat1, M Laurin, P Gorce
1Handibio, Université du Sud Toulon-Var, La Garde, France.
Journal of Evolutionary Biology
|August 21, 2008
Summary
Primate grasping evolved beyond a simple power-to-precision grip transition. New data reveal complex links between hand morphology and grasping behaviors, challenging previous evolutionary models.
Area of Science:
- Primate Paleontology
- Evolutionary Biology
- Comparative Anatomy
Background:
- The traditional view suggests primate grasping evolved from power to precision grips in hominids.
- This hypothesis is based on limited data and may oversimplify evolutionary pathways.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the complexity of grasping evolution in primates.
- To analyze the relationship between morphometric and behavioral data in grasping modes.
- To re-evaluate existing models of primate grasping evolution.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of new morphometric and behavioral data on food grasping in 11 primate species (platyrrhines, catarrhines, and humans).
- Utilized squared-change parsimony and phylogenetic eigenvector regression to assess phylogenetic signals in behavioral and morphometric characters.
Main Results:
- Precision grip and thumb-lateral behaviors correlate with carpus and thumb length.
- Power grasping is associated with the length of the second and third digits.
- Phylogenetic signals were detected in morphometric data but not in behavioral data.
Conclusions:
- Primate grasping evolution is more intricate than previously hypothesized.
- Morphological traits significantly influence grasping strategies.
- Inference models suggest early hominoids like Australopithecus, Oreopithecus, and Proconsul likely employed precision grips.
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