Ecological divergence and talar morphology in gorillas.

Area of Science:

• Primate anatomy
• Paleontology
• Biomechanics

Background:

• Gorillas inhabit diverse African habitats, from lowlands to highlands, influencing their ecology and behavior.
• While all gorillas are terrestrial knuckle-walkers, lowland gorillas engage in more climbing and fruit consumption than highland gorillas.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate if gorilla talus (ankle bone) morphology varies with habitat and locomotor adaptations.
• To test the hypothesis that lowland gorillas possess talar features facilitating arboreal behaviors.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of talocrural joint morphology in gorillas using three-dimensional measurements.
• Quantification of mediolateral trochlear curvature and lateral malleolus surface area.

Main Results:

• Western gorillas display talar features indicating a more medially directed foot sole compared to eastern gorillas.
• This morphology in western gorillas likely aids in climbing and arboreal activities by improving foot placement and reducing joint stress.

Conclusions:

• Gorilla talar morphology shows adaptation to different locomotor strategies related to habitat.
• Western gorillas appear more adapted for arboreality, while eastern gorillas are better suited for terrestrial locomotion.