Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 31, 2026
08:15
Reverse Dissection and DiceCT Reveal Otherwise Hidden Data in the Evolution of the Primate Face
Published on: January 7, 2019
Reappraisal of the postcranium of Hadropithecus (Primates, Indroidea)
L R Godfrey1, W L Jungers, R E Wunderlich
1Department of Anthropology, University of Massachusetts, Amherst 01003, USA. lgodfrey@anthro.umass.edu
American Journal of Physical Anthropology
|August 1, 1997
Summary
Giant extinct lemurs, Hadropithecus, were not primarily cursorial. New analysis of hindlimb bones reveals a robust build, challenging previous reconstructions of their locomotion and habitat.
Area of Science:
- Paleontology
- Primate Evolution
- Functional Morphology
Background:
- Previous studies reconstructed Hadropithecus stenognathus, a giant extinct lemur from Madagascar, as primarily terrestrial and cursorial based on postcranial anatomy.
- This reconstruction relied heavily on interpretations of long bone gracility and interlimb proportions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To re-evaluate the locomotor capabilities and body build of Hadropithecus stenognathus.
- To correct misattributions of hindlimb bones between Hadropithecus and Archaeolemur.
- To reassess the positional behavior of archaeolemurids, including Hadropithecus.
Main Methods:
- Re-examination and reallocation of fossil hindlimb elements, including newly identified calcaneus bones.
- Comparative analysis of postcranial anatomy between Hadropithecus and related extinct lemurs.
- Review of evidence for the extinct genus 'Bradylemur'.
Main Results:
- Hindlimb bones previously attributed to Hadropithecus were found to belong to Archaeolemur.
- Corrected hindlimb allocations reveal Hadropithecus possessed a robust body build.
- Hadropithecus lacked specific osteological specializations indicative of cursoriality.
Conclusions:
- The previous reconstruction of Hadropithecus as primarily cursorial is incorrect.
- Hadropithecus likely had a more generalized positional behavior with both terrestrial and arboreal components.
- Reassessed body size and limb proportions support a less cursorial lifestyle for Hadropithecus.
Related Concept Videos
01:14Cranial Bones: Superior and Posterior View
The superior view of the cranium shows the frontal and paired parietal bones.
The frontal bone is the single bone that forms the forehead. At its anterior midline, between the eyebrows, there is a slight depression called the glabella. The frontal bone also forms the supraorbital margin of the orbit. Near the middle of this margin is the supraorbital foramen, the opening that provides passage for a sensory nerve to the forehead. The frontal bone is thickened just above each supraorbital margin,...
The frontal bone is the single bone that forms the forehead. At its anterior midline, between the eyebrows, there is a slight depression called the glabella. The frontal bone also forms the supraorbital margin of the orbit. Near the middle of this margin is the supraorbital foramen, the opening that provides passage for a sensory nerve to the forehead. The frontal bone is thickened just above each supraorbital margin,...
01:27Cranial Bones: Lateral View
The lateral view of the cranium is dominated by temporal, sphenoid, and ethmoid bones.
The temporal bone forms the lower lateral side of the skull. The temporal bone is subdivided into several regions. The flattened upper portion is the squamous portion of the temporal bone. Below this area and projecting anteriorly is the zygomatic process of the temporal bone, which forms the posterior portion of the zygomatic arch. Posteriorly is the mastoid portion of the temporal bone. Projecting...
The temporal bone forms the lower lateral side of the skull. The temporal bone is subdivided into several regions. The flattened upper portion is the squamous portion of the temporal bone. Below this area and projecting anteriorly is the zygomatic process of the temporal bone, which forms the posterior portion of the zygomatic arch. Posteriorly is the mastoid portion of the temporal bone. Projecting...