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A quantitative genetics analysis of evolution in the hominoid appendicular skeleton
Marianne J Cooper1,2, Mark A Conaway2,3, Noreen von Cramon-Taubadel2
1Department of Anthropology, Western Washington University, Bellingham, WA, United States.
Evolution; International Journal of Organic Evolution
|February 16, 2026
Summary
Evolutionary quantitative genetics revealed directional selection on the human lineage (Homo sapiens) and gibbons (Hylobates lar). This study highlights strong selection on limb length and hip bone traits, offering insights into primate skeletal evolution without extensive fossils.
Area of Science:
- Primate evolutionary biology
- Paleoanthropology
- Quantitative genetics
Background:
- Hominoidea exhibit diverse locomotion, suggesting postcranial selection.
- Limited primate postcranial fossils hinder direct study of appendicular skeleton evolution.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess evolutionary selection versus genetic drift in hominoids and cercopithecoid monkeys.
- To investigate selection pressures on the primate appendicular skeleton using quantitative genetics.
Main Methods:
- Employed evolutionary quantitative genetics methods.
- Analyzed selection and drift within hominoids and cercopithecoid monkeys.
- Assessed directional selection gradients on specific lineages and traits.
Main Results:
- Most evolutionary branches showed drift or stabilizing selection.
- Directional selection indicated on the Homo sapiens lineage and potentially Hylobates lar.
- Strong selection detected on limb length and os coxa traits in both lineages.
Conclusions:
- Quantitative genetics methods are valuable for studying primate skeletal evolution with limited fossil data.
- Results align with previous hominoid postcranial evolution studies.
- Identified specific traits under strong selection in human and gibbon lineages.
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