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Bipedal gait versatility in the Japanese macaque (Macaca fuscata)
Naomichi Ogihara1, Eishi Hirasaki2, Emanuel Andrada3
1Department of Mechanical Engineering, Keio University, 3-14-1 Hiyoshi Kohoku-ku, Yokohama 223-8522, Japan; Department of Biological Science, Graduate School of Science, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-0033, Japan.
Journal of Human Evolution
|December 4, 2018
Summary
Japanese macaques can run bipedally with an aerial phase, challenging previous beliefs about primate locomotion. Their running gait mechanics differ from humans, offering insights into the evolution of bipedalism.
Area of Science:
- Primate locomotion
- Evolutionary biology
- Biomechanics
Background:
- Previously, only humans were thought to run bipedally among primates.
- Non-human primates are increasingly observed to run bipedally, some with an aerial phase.
- Japanese macaques show bipedal capabilities but aerial-phase running was unconfirmed.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate if Japanese macaques can run bipedally with an aerial phase.
- To analyze the gait characteristics of macaque bipedal locomotion.
- To compare macaque running gaits with those of humans and other animals.
Main Methods:
- Recorded bipedal gait sequences from three Japanese macaques at self-selected speeds.
- Utilized motion-capture systems and force plates to collect kinematic and ground reaction force data.
- Analyzed 188 bipedal locomotion trials on a level surface.
Main Results:
- Macaques exhibited diverse bipedal gaits, including grounded running, skipping, and aerial-phase running.
- Bipedal locomotion speeds were high, with Froude numbers ranging from 0.4 to 1.3.
- Gait parameters aligned with other running non-human primates and birds, but differed from human gaits.
- Macaques employed a spring-like running mechanism due to limited leg-stiffening ability.
Conclusions:
- Japanese macaques can perform bipedal running with an aerial phase.
- Anatomical constraints influence macaque bipedal running mechanics, favoring a compliant, spring-like gait.
- The shift from compliant to non-compliant gaits was crucial for human bipedalism evolution.
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