Related Experiment Videos
Partial humeri of two Miocene Colombian primates.
D J Meldrum1, J G Fleagle, R F Kay
1Department of Anatomical Sciences, State University of New York, Stony Brook 11794-8081.
American Journal of Physical Anthropology
|March 1, 1990
Summary
Two Miocene primate humeri fossils from Colombia provide new insights into early platyrrhine evolution. One fossil is assigned to Cebupithecia sarmientoi, resembling modern Pithecia, while the other is identified as Neosaimiri fieldsi.
Area of Science:
- Paleontology
- Primate Evolution
- Neogene Mammals
Background:
- Miocene primate fossils offer crucial data on early platyrrhine diversity and evolution.
- Colombian fossil sites, like La Venta, are significant for uncovering primate evolutionary history.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe and assign two fossil primate humeri discovered in Miocene deposits of Colombia.
- To analyze the functional morphology of these humeri and infer postural behaviors.
Main Methods:
- Comparative osteology: comparing fossil humeri with extant and extinct primate taxa.
- Morphological analysis: examining specific features of the distal humerus (e.g., medial epicondyle, trochlea, capitulum).
Main Results:
- The larger humerus (IGM 183420) was assigned to Cebupithecia sarmientoi, exhibiting features associated with clinging behaviors, similar to the extant genus Pithecia.
- The smaller humerus (IGM 183512) was assigned to Neosaimiri fieldsi, showing morphological similarities to the arboreal quadruped Saimiri sciureus.
Conclusions:
- These findings contribute to understanding the diversity and paleobiology of Miocene platyrrhines in South America.
- The study highlights the distinct locomotor adaptations present in early primate lineages.