Abstract
Most primates include quadrupedalism in their locomotor repertoire. Though quadrupedalism is not as mechanically demanding as other locomotor behaviors—such as brachiation or vertical clinging and leaping—researchers have nonetheless identified morphological and biomechanical specializations associated with quadrupedal locomotion among primates. Features that vary among arboreal and terrestrial primates include morphological aspects of the limbs and tail, as well as hand and foot postures. Quadrupedal locomotion can be categorized into various types of symmetrical (walk, trot, pace, amble) or asymmetrical (bound, half‐bound, crutch‐walk, gallop, canter) gaits. In addition to their unusual preference for diagonal sequence, diagonal couplets (DSDC) walking gaits, primate quadrupeds use a set of distinctive kinematic and kinetic features during both symmetrical and asymmetrical gaits that are biomechanically advantageous in an arboreal environment, and which likely evolved as a response to an interaction among substrate diameter, orientation, and/or compliance.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
