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Sexual dimorphism in Laccopithecus robustus, a late miocene hominoid from China
Y R Pan1, D M Waddle, J G Fleagle
1Institute of Vertebrate Paleontology and Paleoanthropology, Beijing, People's Republic of China.
American Journal of Physical Anthropology
|June 1, 1989
Summary
Laccopithecus robustus, a fossil ape from China, exhibits dental traits similar to Pliopithecus and cranial features resembling modern gibbons. This Miocene ape displayed significant sexual dimorphism, particularly in canine and premolar teeth.
Area of Science:
- Paleontology
- Primatology
- Evolutionary Biology
Background:
- Laccopithecus robustus is a fossil ape discovered at the Miocene Lufeng site in China.
- Fossil evidence includes cranial fragments, mandibles, and numerous teeth.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze the dental and cranial morphology of Laccopithecus robustus.
- To compare Laccopithecus robustus with extant gibbons and other fossil apes.
- To investigate evidence of sexual dimorphism in Laccopithecus robustus.
Main Methods:
- Comparative anatomical analysis of fossil remains.
- Morphological comparisons with extant gibbon species.
- Examination of dental traits, including canines, premolars, and molars.
Main Results:
- Laccopithecus robustus shares dental similarities with Pliopithecus and cranial similarities with extant gibbons.
- Marked sexual dimorphism was observed in the size and shape of canines and anterior lower premolars.
- Evidence suggests potential sexual size dimorphism in molar teeth, though less conclusive.
Conclusions:
- Laccopithecus robustus represents a unique fossil ape species with affinities to both Pliopithecus and gibbons.
- The species exhibits significant sexual dimorphism, a common trait in many fossil and extant ape species.
- Further research may clarify the extent of sexual dimorphism in other dental elements.