Alteration of Scapular morphology through experimental behavioral modification in the laboratory mouse (Mus musculus)

It is demonstrated that the behavior/morphology interface can be studied in controlled experiments. The normal locomotor behavior of the laboratory mouse (Mus musculus) was modified so that animals were restricted to either a plantigrade, 'non-climbing', control environment or an experimental, suspensory, 'climbing' environment. Distinct scapular correlates of the modified behavior were observed. Climbing experimental animals exhibited narrower scapulae with angular measurements consistent with reduced scapular breadth. Plantigrade control animals exhibited broader more squared scapulae. It is suggested that the methodology used here can be extended to natural populations with analogous locomotor behaviors.