LOCOMOTOR ONTOGENY OF PRIMATE QUADRAPEDALISM AND THE EVOLUTION OF PRIMATE GAIT

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This subproject is one of many research subprojects utilizing the resources provided by a Center grant funded by NIH/NCRR. The subproject and investigator (PI) may have received primary funding from another NIH source, and thus could be represented in other CRISP entries. The institution listed is for the Center, which is not necessarily the institution for the investigator. Changes in body weight and shape may influence the biomechanics of change in four leg walking behavior during the first 6 months of baboon life. Infants change from a ¿lateral sequence¿ (arm touches down after ipsilateral leg) gait to a ¿diagonal sequence¿ (arm touches down after contralateral leg) gait, in terms of body gait and motion. This is an important transition because the diagonal sequence gait in adult primates is unique among mammals, and there is no consensus on why it evolved. This project will address that question. Biomechanics of walking will be assessed in infant baboons between 4 and 26 weeks old age. Reflective markers will be placed on limbs and motion will be recorded with a 3D motion analysis system in conjunction with a video camera. Small weights will be placed on body segments to test for changes in gait with changes in body weight distribution. We supported initial work at the Foundation to demonstrate feasibility and gather pilot date. Funding was obtained from the Leakey Foundation and a laboratory was established in Austin to continue the work. We lease infant/juvenile baboons to the research program. This project is underway. The conclusion of this study will shed light on the evolution of walking motion in primates and will help identify the changes in body structure that might have led to the evolution of diagonal sequence gait in primates.