Positional adaptations and ecology of the Pitheciini.
Item
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Title
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Positional adaptations and ecology of the Pitheciini.
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Identifier
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AAI9405596
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identifier
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9405596
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Creator
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Walker, Suzanne Eve.
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Contributor
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Adviser: Warren Kinzey
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Date
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1993
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Language
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English
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Publisher
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City University of New York.
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Subject
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Anthropology, Physical | Biology, Zoology
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Abstract
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The aim of this study was to investigate positional behavior in a tribe of specialized seed-eating platyrrhines, the Pitheciini, in their natural habitats in Venezuela and Brazil. Data were collected on the positional behavior, habitat use and habitat characteristics of Pithecia pithecia, Chiropotes satanas and Cacajao calvus. These data were used to investigate the influence of a number of ecological and phylogenetic variables on positional behavior, and to draw inferences about the evolution and divergence of the pitheciins.;Pithecia frequently engages in leaping, and exhibits numerous behavioral and anatomical specializations for uses the vertical clinging and leaping. It often uses the lower canopy, which is comprised primarily of vertical and angled supports. Vertical clinging used in feeding allows Pithecia to cling to the bole of one tree while reaching food from the terminal branches of a neighboring, smaller tree.;Chiropotes and Cacajao, the larger pitheciins, are similar to one another in their positional adaptations. They engage primarily in quadrupedalism and pronograde clambering. Although leaping is important in their locomotor repertoires, they do not demonstrate anatomical adaptations to it. These species occupy the middle and upper canopies. Pedal suspension is often utilized by both species, particularly when feeding, and features for hindlimb eversion are apparent in their pedal anatomy.;Based upon shared behavioral characteristics of these primates, the primitive pitheciin pattern is presumed to have consisted primarily of quadrupedalism and pronograde clambering, with considerable leaping. This pattern accords well with that inferred for the extinct pitheciin Cebupithecia, for which postcranial remains are well preserved.;Each pitheciin species presents a mosaic of primitive and derived features: P. pithecia is more derived in terms of its positional adaptations, due primarily to its specialization for vertical clinging and leaping, while C. satanas and C. calvus are more derived dietarily. Two hypotheses are presented to explain these differences, both dealing with Pithecia's descent to the lower canopy to expand it's resource base. One hypothesis envisions the impetus for this shift to have been due to competition with sympatric Chiropotes, and the other to seasonal fluctuations in food availability.
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Type
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dissertation
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Source
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PQT Legacy CUNY.xlsx
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degree
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Ph.D.
