Pedal Morphology and Locomotor Behavior of the Subfossil Lemurs of Madagascar

Abstract

AbstractThe subfossil lemurs of Madagascar have been discussed and studied in great detail due to their remarkable preservation, phylogenetic history, and locomotor convergence with a number of extant taxa. This chapter highlights these discussions with particular focus on the variation in pedal morphology observed across the three extinct families of subfossil lemur. Special attention is given to locomotor and foot loading behavior of the palaeopropithecids, colloquially known as the sloth lemurs. These animals represent the only primate lineage to become specialized for below branch quadrupedal locomotion, and, by necessity, the ability to bear tensile loads in the foot. Unfortunately, discussion of the anatomy of the sloth lemur foot, and its ability to bear tensile loads in general has been limited, and a thorough discussion of the mechanical and anatomical traits associated with tensile loading in a primate foot has yet to be compiled. This chapter is broken down into distinct sections focusing on phylogeny, anatomy, and mechanics that will come together for the reader into a holistic view of the locomotor adaptations in the feet of the extinct subfossil lemurs of Madagascar.KeywordsMadagascar Babakotia Sloth lemurs Palaeopropithecus Sloths Megaladapis ArchaeolemuridaeInverted quadrupedalismKineticsLemursAnklePhalanges