Foot morphology and locomotor adaptation in Eocene primates
1Department of Anthropology, Duke University, Durham, N.C.
Folia Primatologica; International Journal of Primatology
|January 1, 1988
Summary
Eocene primates (Adapidae and Omomyidae) exhibited diverse locomotion. Omomyidae foot morphology and locomotion most closely resemble ancestral euprimates, with cheirogaleids modeling their movement patterns.
Area of Science:
- Paleontology
- Primate Evolution
- Functional Morphology
Background:
- Eocene primates, including Adapidae and Omomyidae, inhabited North America and Europe.
- Understanding their locomotion is key to reconstructing early primate evolution and dispersal.
Purpose of the Study:
- To document the locomotor diversity of Eocene primates.
- To compare the foot morphology and locomotion of Eocene primates with extant groups.
- To identify the most likely ancestral euprimate locomotor model.
Main Methods:
- Comparative analysis of fossil primate foot morphology (Adapidae, Omomyidae).
- Assessment of locomotor repertoires based on skeletal evidence.
- Comparison with foot morphology and locomotion of extant primate groups (strepsirhines, cheirogaleids).
Main Results:
- Eocene primates displayed significant locomotor diversity.
- Adapid foot morphology shows derived similarities to extant strepsirhines.
- Omomyidae exhibit foot morphology and locomotor patterns most similar to ancestral euprimates.
- Modern cheirogaleids' generalized locomotion serves as a model for ancestral euprimates.
Conclusions:
- The Omomyidae provide the best model for ancestral euprimate foot morphology and locomotion.
- The locomotor repertoire of modern cheirogaleids is the most suitable model for ancestral euprimate movement patterns.
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