2 FUNCTIONAL MORPHOLOGY Flashcards
Functional morphology
the study of the relationship between organismal form and
function
proximal part of each limb
humerus or femur
distal part
radius
and ulna or tibia and fibula
intermembral index (IMI)
ratio of forelimb length to hind limb
length
(Humerus Length + Radius Length)/
(Femur Length + Tibia Length)
x 100
locomotion
how an animal
moves
postures
animal’s resting position
PRONOGRADE POSITIONAL BEHAVIORS o
spine is roughly parallel to the ground or branch
Arboreal Quadrupedalism (2)
locomotor pattern involves walking and running on all four limbs along branches
forelimbs and hind limbs of arboreal quadrupeds are
similar in length and relatively short,
Terrestrial Quadrupedalism (2)
This locomotor pattern involves using all four limbs to walk and run on the ground
these primates have forelimbs and hind limbs that are similar in length
variation of terrestrial quadrupedalism
knuckle-walking - walk quadrupedally on the ground while retaining long, curved fingers that are advantageous for climbing
ORTHOGRADE POSITIONAL BEHAVIORS o
spine is roughly vertical to the ground or branch
Vertical clinging and leaping (VCL) (2)
This locomotor pattern involves leaping between tree trunks and branches by rapid extension of the hind
limbs
the hind limbs are longer
than forelimbs
Suspension (3)
This locomotor pattern involves hanging below arboreal supports using the forelimbs, the hind limbs, or
a combination of forelimbs and hind limbs
limbs function more
in tension than in compression
Suspensory primates have short hind limbs and very long forelimbs
Bipedalism (3)
This locomotor pattern involves using only the hind limbs to walk and run on the ground
Humans are the
only efficient bipedal primates
Humans have longer hind limbs than forelimbs.
Biomechanics
study of mechanical forces and their effects on living systems.