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Intrageneric taxonomic distinction based on morphological variation in the macaque (Macaca) skeleton
Brittany Kenyon-Flatt1,2,3,4, Noreen von Cramon-Taubadel4
1School of Nursing, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA.
Anatomical Record (Hoboken, N.J. : 2007)
|July 13, 2023
Summary
Macaque species can be distinguished using skeletal morphology, with limb bones, particularly the upper limb, proving more informative than previously thought for taxonomic assessment.
Area of Science:
- Primatology
- Comparative Anatomy
- Bioinformatics
Background:
- Taxonomic classification is crucial for understanding biodiversity.
- Current species assessment often relies on craniodental morphology, neglecting the full skeleton.
- Intrageneric morphological variation in macaques remains understudied.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine if macaque taxonomy can be accurately predicted from skeletal morphological variation.
- To assess if postcranial bones are as informative as cranial bones for macaque taxonomy.
- To investigate the influence of behavior, ecogeography, and phylogeny on skeletal morphology.
Main Methods:
- Utilized 3D scans of cranial and postcranial bones from eight macaque species.
- Applied fixed anatomical and semilandmarks to eight skeletal elements.
- Employed regression analyses to account for sexual dimorphism.
- Used between-groups principal component analysis and discriminant function analysis for taxonomic classification.
Main Results:
- Macaque species can be morphologically distinguished.
- Both cranial and postcranial elements contain taxonomic signals.
- Limb bones, especially the upper limb, demonstrated significant utility in taxonomic assessment.
- Morphological variation is influenced by behavioral, ecogeographical, and phylogenetic factors.
Conclusions:
- Skeletal morphology, including postcranial elements, is a valuable tool for macaque taxonomic classification.
- Limb bone analysis offers new insights into species differentiation.
- Understanding skeletal variation aids in comprehending macaque evolution and ecology.
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