New skeletal remains of Omomys(Primates, Omomyidae): functional morphology of the hindlimb and locomotor behavior of a Middle Eocene primate

Evolutionary morphology of the Tenrecoidea (Mammalia) hindlimb skeleton

“…The greater trochanter is the attachment site of Mm. gluteus medius and minimus, gemelli, piriformis, and vastus lateralis, and its proximal and anterior projection are indicative of aspects of hip joint mobility (Taylor, 1976;Gebo and Sargis, 1994;Heinrich and Rose, 1997;Anemone and Covert, 2000;Szalay and Sargis, 2001;Argot, 2002;Sargis, 2002). Lesser trochanter (attachment site of M. iliopsoas) size and position correlates with hip flexion and adduction, whereas form and position of the third trochanter (attachment site of Mm.…”

“…Overall shape and relative size, as well as rugosities and tubercles on the surface of the three innominate components, are useful indicators for functional interpretation (e.g., Camp and Borell, 1937;Fleagle and Anapol, 1992;Gebo and Sargis, 1994;Heinrich and Rose, 1997;Anemone and Covert, 2000;Stein, 2000;Argot, 2002;Sargis, 2002). Of the two pelvic joints (femoral and vertebral), acetabular position, relative size, and shape are particularly informative for interpretation of both postural and locomotor behavior.…”

“…2) and the angle of the femoral neck indicate resting posture of the hindlimb as well as specialized locomotor behavior (e.g., Camp and Borell, 1937;Kappelman, 1988;Gebo and Sargis, 1994;Rose, 1999;Anemone and Covert, 2000;Szalay and Sargis, 2001;Argot, 2002;Sargis, 2002). The greater trochanter is the attachment site of Mm.…”

Skull of the Eocene primate Omomys carteri from western North America

“…Although no skulls were found from the so-called Omomys quarry, several isolated petrosal bones were found and described (Ross & Covert, 2000). The postcranial bones show osteological correlates to quadrupedal climbing and leaping among modern primates, like the Dwarf Lemur (Cheirogaleus) and Giant Mouse Lemur (Mirza) of Madagascar, and similarities to other fossil omomyid primates from the Eocene, such as Hemiacodon (Anemone & Covert, 2000). From isolated maxillary bones and preserved upper teeth, the lower margin of the orbit demonstrates a very large orbit for Omomys carteri, indicating a specialization for nocturnal activity (Heesy & Ross, 2001).…”

“…Knowledge of this small primate from Wyoming has been increasing rapidly. In 1993, a field crew from the University of Colorado under the direction of Peter Robinson discovered an unusual accumulation of Omomys carteri teeth, jaws, and associated postcranial skeletons from rocks located in the stratigraphically higher Twin Buttes Member (Bridger C) of the Bridger Formation (Anemone & Covert, 2000;Murphey, 2001). Although no skulls were found from the so-called Omomys quarry, several isolated petrosal bones were found and described (Ross & Covert, 2000).…”