Locomotion and postural behaviour

Abstract

Abstract. The purpose of this article is to provide a survey of the diversity of primate locomotor behaviour for people who are involved in research using laboratory primates. The main locomotor modes displayed by primates are introduced with reference to some general morphological adaptations. The relationships between locomotor behaviour and body size, habitat structure and behavioural context will be illustrated because these factors are important determinants of the evolutionary diversity of primate locomotor activities. They also induce the high individual plasticity of the locomotor behaviour for which primates are well known. The article also provides a short overview of the preferred locomotor activities in the various primate families. A more detailed description of locomotor preferences for some of the most common laboratory primates is included which also contains information about substrate preferences and daily locomotor activities which might useful for laboratory practice. Finally, practical implications for primate husbandry and cage design are provided emphasizing the positive impact of physical activity on health and psychological well-being of primates in captivity.

New data about semicircular canal morphology and locomotion in modern hominoids

“…For locomotor agility, H. lar carpenteri is considered as 'fast', G. gorilla and P. pygmaeus as 'slow', and the two other species as 'medium' (Ryan et al 2012). Regarding the substrate, G. gorilla and H. sapiens are mostly terrestrial, whereas H. lar carpenteri is mostly arboreal, and P. troglodytes and P. pygmaeus can be considered as 'semi-terrestrial' (Fleagle, 1999;Schmidt, 2010). Gorilla gorilla is mostly pronograde, P. troglodytes uses both pronograde and orthograde postures, and the other hominoids are mostly orthograde.…”

“…Primates show a large range of locomotor behaviors in both arboreal and terrestrial environments. These can be classified into five categories: bipedalism; quadrupedalism; quadrumanous climbing and scrambling; leaping and diving; and suspension (Susman et al 1980;Fleagle, 1999;Schmidt, 2010). The locomotor behavior of a species depends on its activity: travel, foraging or escape (Schmidt, 2010).…”

“…These can be classified into five categories: bipedalism; quadrupedalism; quadrumanous climbing and scrambling; leaping and diving; and suspension (Susman et al 1980;Fleagle, 1999;Schmidt, 2010). The locomotor behavior of a species depends on its activity: travel, foraging or escape (Schmidt, 2010). Among primates, Hylobatidae, especially the smaller ones, are the most specialized brachiators (Tuttle, 1969;Fleagle, 1999;Schmidt, 2010).…”

Gripping ease in southern green stink bugsNezara viridulaL. (Heteroptera: Pentatomidae): Coping with geometry, orientation and surface wettability of substrate

“…Nezara viridula showed a remarkable grasping performance on convex (curved) substrates. In addition to the characteristic ability of long, slender legs to reach distant terrain elements while walking and transiting on plant leaves, twigs or stems, grasping feet provide a firm grip and stable hold in discontinuous habitats in any position (Hildebrand & Goslow 2004;Schmidt 2010;Endlein et al 2013;Hill et al 2018). Threesegmented tarsi bear paired, curved claws, pulvilli and ventral setae with flattened, lanceolate terminals.…”

Shape analysis of the proximal humerus in orthograde and semi‐orthograde primates: Correlates of suspensory behavior

“…Of all suspensory primates, Hylobates is the only group that truly engages in brachiation as primary form for traveling (50-80% of the time [Fleagle, 1974[Fleagle, , 1976Hunt, 1991a;Michilsens, 2012;Michilsens et al, 2009Michilsens et al, , 2010) and the only one to substantially perform ricochetal brachiation [Bertram, 2004;Cheyne, 2011]. Adapting to this rather specialized form of locomotion has provided Hylobates with distinct skeletal features [Preuschoft & Demes, 1984, 1985, including a true ball-andsocket joint allowing a 180°of rotation at the wrist [Schmidt, 2010], elongated forelimbs with respect to body mass (BM) with powerful flexor muscles [Michilsens, 2012;Michilsens et al, 2009Michilsens et al, , 2010Preuschoft, 2002], and highly flexible forelimb joints, which engage in major rotational forces [Carpenter, 1976; Larson, 1988Larson, , 1993Michilsens, 2012;Michilsens et al, 2011;Preuschoft & Demes, 1984, 1985. Also, Larson [1988] reported gibbons to have a lesser degree of humeral torsion as compared to chimpanzees and humans, suggesting this morphology to be a compromise between the repositioning of the scapula and the position of the elbow during brachiation.…”