Experimental Studies on Primate Locomotion

点击翻译按钮获取中文摘要

9806291 The research goals of the Primate Locomotion Laboratory at SUNY, Stony Brook are the identification of adaptively significant features in humans and nonhuman primates, and the reconstruction of ancient lifestyles, as integral components in the study of the origin and evolution of primates and humans. Using techniques that measure electrical activity of muscles, forces exerted on the ground by moving animals, 3D displacements and speed of limb segments, and strain within bones, we will analyze arm-swinging, vertical climbing, bipedal locomotion, and quadrupedal locomotion in monkeys and apes, comparing and contrasting the functional roles of different morphological features. We will focus on projects that address questions of energy exchange mechanisms, loading regimes of primate long bones, the influence of body size on locomotor parameters, and alternative strategies for terrestrial quadrupedalism. The results will enable us to understand why living monkeys, apes, and humans have evolved different anatomies, and to apply that understanding to the interpretation of fossil primate behavior and the uniqueness of humans.