Analyse morphofonctionnelle des fémurs et des tibias des «Adapis» du Quercy: mise en évidence de cinq types morphologiques

Abstract

The study of 13 partial femora and 3 tibiae from late Eocene Quercy localities (France) confirms the distinction of the two adapinine genera Adapis and Palaeolemur. The femora come from both new (Rosières 2 and Escamps) and old collections (of uncertain provenance). They allow the distinction of 5 morphological groups, whose morphological characteristics are functionally explained. Adapis and Palaeolemur show strong similarities to some small living platyrrhines (Saimiri, Cebus, Aotus) and much less to lorisines. Type 1 and type 2 were probably branch walking and running forms, using climbing less frequently. Types 4 and 5 were probably less specialized for running and used climbing more frequently. These relatively close 4 types are interpreted as 4 species of Adapis. Type 3 is associated with the only species known from Escamps, Palaeolemur betillei. This last species appears to have been predominantly a climber, however, without the morphological specializations of the posterior limb associated with slow climbing in lorisines.