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Comparative functional morphology of the primate peroneal process.

Rachel L Jacobs¹, Doug M Boyer, Biren A Patel

¹Interdepartmental Doctoral Program in Anthropological Sciences, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, New York 11794, USA. rljacobs@ic.sunysb.edu

Journal of Human Evolution

|September 22, 2009

Summary

The peroneal process on the first metatarsal is larger in prosimians, potentially aiding in leaping and hallux abduction. Its size and shape correlate with specific locomotor behaviors and phylogenetic groups.

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Area of Science:

Primate anatomy
Functional morphology
Evolutionary biology

Background:

The first metatarsal in primates features a peroneal process, proportionally larger in prosimians than anthropoids.
Hypotheses suggest this process aids in grasping, buttresses joints during landing, or correlates with hallux abduction.

Purpose of the Study:

To investigate the functional morphology of the peroneal process in relation to leaping and hallux abduction.
To test hypotheses regarding the peroneal process's role in load reduction and hallux movement.

Main Methods:

Comparative analysis of the first metatarsal peroneal process in 143 specimens (37 species) of prosimians, platyrrhines, and tupaiids.
Measurement of peroneal process dimensions, hallux abduction angle, and metatarsal shape.
Correlation analysis with leaping frequency and hallux abduction behaviors.

Main Results:

Leaping frequency correlated with peroneal process thickness in lorisoids.
Process length positively correlated with hallux abduction angle in prosimians, which is greater than in anthropoids.
Metatarsal shape separated species phylogenetically, not by locomotor behavior.

Conclusions:

The peroneal process may reduce joint strain during leaping in lorisoids.
Increased process length in prosimians might enhance the peroneus longus muscle's leverage to prevent hallux hyper-abduction and inversion.
Phylogenetic factors appear to be stronger drivers of metatarsal shape than locomotor behaviors.