Morphological integration in developing limbs of Homo sapiens and Papio ursinus
Date
2009-02-05T08:15:18Z
Authors
Chiba, Manoj Dayal
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Abstract
Previous studies have documented the locomotor pattern of bipedal and quadrupedal
primates based on gross morphological or cross-sectional differences. Although these
studies provide a measurable amount of understanding they fail to allow one to
understand the emergence of these differences ontogenetically. Many researchers have
opted to use genetic or epi-genetic factors as reasons for the differences. It has been
suggested that the manner in which traits change may be constrained or facilitated by
their levels of integration, and therefore morphological integration may be viewed as a
source of evolutionary constraint.
Ontogenetic samples of 92 humans and 20 baboon skeletons were analyzed for
differences and/or similarities using metric and cross-sectional geometric data, of the
femur and tibia. The analysis included the computation of regression techniques, bivariate
and multivariate analysis. Contrary to expectations, results indicate no significant
difference between species. This suggests that ontogenetically both humans and baboons
have similar growth trajectories and the epi-genetic factors due to differing locomotory
modes have minimal influences. However, both epi-genetic and genetic factors need to be
explored further. Furthermore, both metrical and cross-sectional data provide a clear
understanding into this pattern of morphological integration and thus should be used
together in the analysis of locomotor patterns.