Functional Morphology and Kinematics of the Spine in Prosimians

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Posture and locomotion are two of the most important influences on the adaptation and evolution of the musculoskeletal system in primates. This is especially true of the spine, which plays a key functional role in both posture and locomotor behavior. The purpose of this study is to investigate the relationship between back function and vertebral structure in a broad sample of prosimian primates. Prosimian diversity in body size, anatomy, posture, and locomotion makes them an excellent `natural experiment` with which to investigate vertebral form and function. The methodology will address form as well as function by employing two approaches: 1) quantitative analysis of vertebral anatomical structure, and 2) quantitative analysis of spinal movements using noninvasive video analysis. The results of this study will be directly relevant to reconstructions of locomotor and postural adaptations in fossil primates, thereby contributing to a more thorough understanding of primate evolution, including the adaptations to upright posture that led to human bipedalism.