Within arm's reach: Measuring forearm length to assess growth patterns in captive bonobos and chimpanzees

Behringer, Verena; Stevens, Jeroen M. G.; Kivell, Tracy L.; Neufuss, Johanna; Boesch, Christophe; Hohmann, Gottfried

doi:10.1002/ajpa.23004

Cited by 14 publications

(19 citation statements)

References 51 publications

(64 reference statements)

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“…Indeed, in our sample the forelimb (upper and lower arm) is significantly longer in chimpanzees than in bonobos (but also see Behringer et al. ), but hindlimb length (thigh and shank) is equal. Previous studies found IMI differences between both Pan species, but, while Zihlman & Cramer () stated that the tendency of the femur of P. paniscus (absolute value) to be longer influences the difference in IMI, Shea () found that this difference results from the significantly longer forelimbs of the chimpanzee.…”

Section: Discussionsupporting

confidence: 57%

“…The bonobo also has shorter forelimbs (upper and lower arms) than the chimpanzee (but also see Behringer et al. ), as well as a shorter head and a shorter foot. But when the data are scaled to body mass (i.e.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 95%

“…Although it is commonly assumed that the bonobo is the least sexually dimorphic hominoid for most morphological traits (Cramer, ; Cramer & Zihlman, ; Behringer et al. ), this assumption should be tested using larger samples.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Overall, the bonobo is significantly lighter than the chimpanzee, and this is largely due to the heavier trunk and the limbs in the chimpanzees. The bonobo also has shorter forelimbs (upper and lower arms) than the chimpanzee (but also see Behringer et al 2016), as well as a shorter head and a shorter foot. But when the data are scaled to body mass (i.e.…”

Section: Differences In Inertial Variablesmentioning

confidence: 98%

“…In chimpanzees, most sex-related differences are due to higher absolute segment masses and MI in male chimpanzees (Schoonaert et al 2007), but the relative segment lengths and segment masses, the positions of the COM, and the radii of gyration did not differ among sexes. Although it is commonly assumed that the bonobo is the least sexually dimorphic hominoid for most morphological traits (Cramer, 1977;Behringer et al 2016), this assumption should be tested using larger samples.…”

Section: Sexual Dimorphismmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Segmental morphometrics of bonobos (Pan paniscus): are they really different from chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes)?

et al. 2018

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The inertial properties of body segments reflect performance and locomotor habits in primates. While Pan paniscus is generally described as more gracile, lighter in body mass, and as having relatively longer and heavier hindlimbs than Pan troglodytes, both species exhibit very similar patterns of (quadrupedal and bipedal) kinematics, but show slightly different locomotor repertoires. We used a geometric model to estimate the inertial properties for all body segments (i.e. head, trunk, upper and lower arms, hand, thigh, shank and foot) using external length and diameter measurements of 12 anaesthetized bonobos (eight adults and four immatures). We also calculated whole limb inertial properties. When we compared absolute and relative segment morphometric and inertial variables between bonobos and chimpanzees, we found that adult bonobos are significantly lighter than adult chimpanzees. The bonobo is also shorter in head length, upper and lower arm lengths, and foot length, and is generally lighter in most absolute segment mass values (except head and hand). In contrast, the bonobo has a longer trunk. When scaled relative to body mass, most differences disappear between the two species. Only the longer trunk and the shorter head of the bonobo remain apparent, as well as the lighter thigh compared with the chimpanzee. We found similar values of natural pendular periods of the limbs in both species, despite differences in absolute limb lengths, masses, mass centres (for the hindlimb) and moments of inertia. While our data contradict the commonly accepted view that bonobos have relatively longer and heavier hindlimbs than chimpanzees, they are consistent with the observed similarities in the quadrupedal and bipedal kinematics between these species. The morphological differences between both species are more subtle than those previously described from postcranial osteological materials.

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Section: Discussionsupporting

confidence: 57%

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 95%

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Differences In Inertial Variablesmentioning

confidence: 98%

Section: Sexual Dimorphismmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Segmental morphometrics of bonobos (Pan paniscus): are they really different from chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes)?

et al. 2018

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Bonobo (Pan Paniscus)

Hohmann

2017

The International Encyclopedia of Primatology

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Bonobos ( Pan paniscus ) are hominoid primates and, together with chimpanzees ( Pan troglodytes ), are the closest living relatives of humans. Molecular data suggest that the split between bonobos and chimpanzees happened in the Middle Pleistocene (1–2 million years ago) and the divergent evolution of the two sister species is often related to their geographic separation. Ever since its late discovery by Harold Coolidge, information from the two sister species has inspired researchers in such diverse fields as anatomy, functional morphology, social behavior, evolutionary psychology, and cognition. Because of the close phylogenetic relationship between Pan and humans, data from bonobos and chimpanzees are often used when modeling human evolution.

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Application of a parallel laser apparatus to measure forearms and flanges of wild Bornean orangutans (Pongo pygmaeus wurmbii)

Brown

Laman

Kane

et al. 2022

American J Primatol

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We constructed a parallel laser photogrammetry apparatus constructed from commercially available parts, and measured forearm lengths and flange widths of 16 wild Bornean orangutans. Our objectives were to validate our method and apparatus, discuss issues encountered, and construct preliminary growth curves.For adult males, we also compared flange width to forearm length as a way to investigate the relationship between body size and flange development. We used a camera cage around a DSLR camera, on top of which we attached two parallel green lasers. We estimated error with repeatability, accuracy, and interobserver reliability measures, and measured forearm lengths in three different ways to see which was most consistent. The longest forearm measure was the most repeatable (CV = 1.64%), and was similar to flange repeatability (3.50%). Accuracy measurements of a known object were high (error = 0.25%), and Interobserver discrepancy low (3.74%). Laser spacing increased with distance to the subject, but we corrected for this using calibration photos after each session. We transparently discuss the issues we encountered with the aim that this accessible method can help expand the use of laser photogrammetry. Preliminary measurements show that male flange widths and forearm length do not reliably increase in tandem, and that female growth plateaus at around the age at first birth (15 years old). We conclude with suggested improvements to the apparatus and method to ensure the lasers remain parallel.

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Within arm's reach: Measuring forearm length to assess growth patterns in captive bonobos and chimpanzees

Cited by 14 publications

References 51 publications

Segmental morphometrics of bonobos (Pan paniscus): are they really different from chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes)?

Segmental morphometrics of bonobos (Pan paniscus): are they really different from chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes)?

Bonobo (Pan Paniscus)

Application of a parallel laser apparatus to measure forearms and flanges of wild Bornean orangutans (Pongo pygmaeus wurmbii)

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