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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Nov 4, 2025

Dissection, MicroCT Scanning and Morphometric Analyses of the Baculum

Dissection, MicroCT Scanning and Morphometric Analyses of the Baculum

Published on: March 19, 2017

Relationship between sacral shape variation and phylogeny in Old World monkeys.

Sayaka Tojima¹

¹Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka City University, Abeno-ku, Osaka, Japan.

Journal of Morphology

|May 30, 2021

Summary

Sacral shape variations in cercopithecoids (Old World monkeys) show clear differences among subfamilies, particularly in muscle attachment areas. These variations suggest evolutionary influences beyond just skeletal function, possibly involving genetic factors.

Keywords:

Cercopithecoidea geometric morphometrics sacrum

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Area of Science:

Primate Paleontology
Comparative Anatomy
Evolutionary Biology

Background:

The sacrum is a key skeletal component in primate trunks, connecting to the pelvis and vertebrae.
While hominoid and cercopithecoid differences are known, sacral variations within cercopithecoids are understudied, limiting evolutionary insights.
Understanding sacral morphology aids in reconstructing primate evolutionary development.

Purpose of the Study:

To investigate phylogenetic sacral shape variations among cercopithecoids (Old World monkeys).
To analyze how sacral shape differences relate to function and evolutionary history in this primate group.

Main Methods:

Geometric morphometric analysis was applied to 221 sacra from 39 cercopithecoid species.
Shape variations were quantified and compared across different cercopithecoid taxa.

Main Results:

Distinct sacral shape differences were identified among Colobinae, Cercopithecini, and Papionini.
Variations were most prominent in spinous processes and the sacral lateral mass, areas critical for muscle attachment and joint articulation.
The observed shape variations were not solely explained by functional requirements.

Conclusions:

Sacral morphology in cercopithecoids exhibits significant phylogenetic variation.
Observed differences suggest that factors beyond direct skeletal function, such as genetic influences (e.g., posterior Hox genes), may play a role in shaping the sacrum.
Further research is needed to fully understand the interplay of function and developmental factors in sacral evolution.