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Showing papers on "Primate published in 2005"


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: It is shown that monkeys differentially value the opportunity to acquire visual information about particular classes of social images, and this work provides the first experimental evidence that monkeys spontaneously discriminate images of others based on social status.

403 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: Variation in TRIM5α proteins among primate species accounts for the observed patterns of postentry restrictions in cells from these animals.
Abstract: The TRIM5α proteins of humans and some Old World monkeys have been shown to block infection of particular retroviruses following virus entry into the host cell. Infection of most New World monkey cells by the simian immunodeficiency virus of macaques (SIVmac) is restricted at a similar point. Here we examine the antiretroviral activity of TRIM5α orthologs from humans, apes, Old World monkeys, and New World monkeys. Chimpanzee and orangutan TRIM5α proteins functionally resembled human TRIM5α, potently restricting infection by N-tropic murine leukemia virus (N-MLV) and moderately restricting human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) infection. Notably, TRIM5α proteins from several New World monkey species restricted infection by SIVmac and the SIV of African green monkeys, SIVagm. Spider monkey TRIM5α, which has an expanded B30.2 domain v3 region due to a tandem triplication, potently blocked infection by a range of retroviruses, including SIVmac, SIVagm, HIV-1, and N-MLV. Tandem duplications in the TRIM5α B30.2 domain v1 region of African green monkeys are also associated with broader antiretroviral activity. Thus, variation in TRIM5α proteins among primate species accounts for the observed patterns of postentry restrictions in cells from these animals. The TRIM5α proteins of some monkey species exhibit dramatic lengthening of particular B30.2 variable regions and an expanded range of susceptible retroviruses.

206 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: Intranasal peptide administration has been shown to penetrate the central nervous system, and research must determine whether intranasally delivered OT exerts its effect(s) at a pituitary and/or brain level, and this primate model offers critical opportunities to improve understanding of the anti-stress effects of OT.

198 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: Different primate species, including humans, have evolved by a repeated branching of lineages, some of which have become extinct, and the problem of determining the relationships among cortical areas within the brains of the surviving branches is difficult.

170 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: Although evidence of a population-level left-handed bias for prosimians and Old World monkeys supports P. F. MacNeilage et al.'s proposal that something other than primate handedness may have been the evolutionary precursor of the right bias in hand-use distribution among hominids, the data from apes, New World monkeys, and individual species of prosimian and New World monkey do not.
Abstract: P. F. MacNeilage, M. G. Studdert-Kennedy, and B. Lindblom (1987) proposed a progression for handedness in primates that was supposed to account for the evolution of a right bias in human handedness. To test this proposal, the authors performed meta-analyses on 62 studies that provided individual data (representing 31 species: 9 prosimians, 6 New World monkeys, 10 Old World monkeys, 2 lesser apes, and 4 greater apes), of the 118 studies of primate handedness published since 1987. Although evidence of a population-level left-handed bias for prosimians and Old World monkeys supports P. F. MacNeilage et al., the data from apes, New World monkeys, and individual species of prosimians and New World monkeys do not. Something other than primate handedness may have been the evolutionary precursor of the right bias in hand-use distribution among hominids.

158 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: One of the largest applications of SINE elements to phylogenetic analysis to date is reported, and the results provide a robust molecular phylogeny for platyrrhine primates.

137 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: This paper describes a behavior pattern in adult female cynomolgus monkeys that has several behavioral and physiological characteristics in common with human depression including reduced body fat, low levels of activity, high heart rate, hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis disturbances, and increased mortality.

132 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
01 Apr 2005-Oryx
TL;DR: It is shown that hunting pressure was the main factor determining current primate species richness, masking the effects of logging or forest type.
Abstract: The Guianas contain one of the largest single remaining tracts of undisturbed tropical rainforest in the world, but this forest and its fauna are facing increased threats. In the north of French Guiana both anthropoge- nic pressures and conflicts between settlements related to the use of natural resources are growing. Based on surveys in 17 forest sites we show that hunting pressure was the main factor determining current primate species richness, masking the effects of logging or forest type. Three of the larger species, the red howler monkey Alouatta seniculus, black spider monkey Ateles paniscus and tufted capuchin Cebus apella, were less abundant in hunted areas. In the areas around four settlements the harvested biomass of primates was low compared to other game species, but the harvests were close to or beyond the maximal sustainable thresholds for the red howler monkey and tufted capuchin. In French Guiana primates are either fully protected by law (the spider

122 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: Monkeys demonstrated long-term memory for the type and location of food but failed to demonstrate sensitivity to when they acquired that knowledge.

114 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: The results suggest that anterior parietal cortex has expanded in some primate lineages, perhaps in relation to manual abilities, and that the region of cortex the authors term area 5 is involved in integrating somatic inputs with the motor system and across hemispheres.
Abstract: We used multiunit electrophysiological recording techniques to examine the topographic organization of somatosensory area 3b and cortex posterior to area 3b, including area 1 and the presumptive area 5, in the New World titi monkey, Callicebus moloch. We also examined the ipsilateral and contralateral connections of these fields, as well as those in a region of cortex that appeared to be similar to both area 7b and the anterior intraparietal area (7b/AIP) described in macaque monkeys. All data were combined with architectonic analysis to generate comprehensive reconstructions. These studies led to several observations. First, area 1 in titi monkeys is not as precisely organized in terms of topographic order and receptive field size as is area 1 in macaque monkeys and a few New World monkeys. Second, cortex caudal to area 1 in titi monkeys is dominated by the representation of the hand and forelimb, and contains neurons that are often responsive to visual stimulation as well as somatic stimulation. This organization is more like area 5 described in macaque monkeys than like area 2. Third, ipsilateral and contralateral cortical connections become more broadly distributed away from area 3b towards the posterior parietal cortex. Specifically, area 3b has a relatively restricted pattern of connectivity with adjacent somatosensory fields 3a, 1, S2 and PV; area 1 has more broadly distributed connections than area 3b; and the presumptive areas 5 and 7b/AIP have highly diverse connections, including connections with motor and premotor cortex, extrastriate visual areas, auditory areas and somatosensory areas of the lateral sulcus. Fourth, the hand representation of the presumptive area 5 has dense callosal connections. Our results, together with previous studies in other primates, suggest that anterior parietal cortex has expanded in some primate lineages, perhaps in relation to manual abilities, and that the region of cortex we term area 5 is involved in integrating somatic inputs with the motor system and across hemispheres. Such connections could form the substrate for intentional reaching, grasping and intermanual transfer of information necessary for bilateral coordination of the hands.

112 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: Capuchins seem to recognize their reflection in the mirror as special, and they may not confuse it with an actual conspecific, possibly reaching a level of self-other distinction intermediate between seeing their mirror image as other and recognizing it as self.
Abstract: It is widely assumed that monkeys see a stranger in the mirror, whereas apes and humans recognize themselves. In this study, we question the former assumption by using a detailed comparison of how monkeys respond to mirrors versus live individuals. Eight adult female and six adult male brown capuchin monkeys (Cebus apella) were exposed twice to three conditions: (i) a familiar same-sex partner, (ii) an unfamiliar same-sex partner, and (iii) a mirror. Females showed more eye contact and friendly behavior and fewer signs of anxiety in front of a mirror than they did when exposed to an unfamiliar partner. Males showed greater ambiguity, but they too reacted differently to mirrors and strangers. Discrimination between conditions was immediate, and blind coders were able to tell the difference between monkeys under the three conditions. Capuchins thus seem to recognize their reflection in the mirror as special, and they may not confuse it with an actual conspecific. Possibly, they reach a level of self–other distinction intermediate between seeing their mirror image as other and recognizing it as self.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: Findings from this animal model suggest that exposure to mild early life stress may enhance the development of brain systems that regulate emotional, neuroendocrine, and cognitive control.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: This review aims at providing new data and insights into comparative primate spermato‐genesis, dealing specifically with quantitative aspects of germinal epithelial organisation and germ cell production, and with the roles of gonadotrophic hormones in this process.
Abstract: Owing to the close phylogenetic relationship of Platyrrhini (New World monkeys) and Catarrhini (Old World monkeys) to man, nonhuman primates are often used as models for the study of male reproductive physiology and endocrinology. This review aims at providing new data and insights into comparative primate spermatogenesis, dealing specifically with quantitative aspects of germinal epithelial organisation and germ cell production, and with the roles of gonadotrophic hormones in this process. Typically, the seminiferous epithelium is composed of specific germ cell associations (spermatogenic stages). In rodents, prosimians and most Catarrhini, tubular cross sections contain a single spermatogenic stage whereas in Platyrrhini, great apes and man multi-stage tubules are present. Since Platyrrhini represent a more basal type of primate, this spermatogenic feature must have developed convergently. The primate multi-stage tubular arrangement was previously believed to be associated with low spermatogenic efficiency. However, recent studies using new methodological approaches and comparing primate species from all taxa have revealed that multistage organisation is compatible with highly efficient spermatogenesis. In fact, meta-analysis demonstrated that the efficiency of spermatogenesis in several nonhuman primate species is comparable to that of rodents which are considered as species with highly efficient germ cell production. The duration of the spermatogenic process was not related to organisation or efficiency of spermatogenesis. Sertoli cell work load was species-specific but had no impact on germ cell numbers and on the efficiency of spermatogenesis. The gonadotrophic hormones, luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) are the primary regulators of primate testicular function. Recent studies revealed that in New World monkeys chorionic gonadotrophin (CG)--the primate pregnancy hormone--regulates testosterone production instead of LH. Receptor studies demonstrated a dual action of the closely related hormones LH and CG in primates. It is hypothesised that following the divergence of the Platyrrhini lineage from Catarrhini, the LH/CG system evolved independently with ancestral functions of the LH/CG system retained in the neotropical taxa. In summary, key spermatogenic features are preserved across all primate taxa whereas male reproductive endocrinology features appear substantially different in the neotropical primates compared to other primate lineages.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: The genetic results indicate that, as in other atelins, dispersal by females is common, but some male dispersal likely occurs as well, and that direct female-female competition is an important feature of woolly monkey reproductive biology.
Abstract: For species of primates in which females emigrate, we would expect males within groups to be related to one another. Kin selection theory suggests that these males should associate preferentially with one another, be more affiliative and cooperative with one another than females are, and compete less overtly with one another over reproductive opportunities than males in female philopatric taxa do. Precisely these patterns of social behavior characterize well-studied populations of 2 of the 3 atelin primate genera: spider monkeys (Ateles) and muriquis (Brachyteles). For the third atelin genus, Lagothrix, patterns of intragroup social behavior have been less well-documented. We studied the social and reproductive behavior of lowland woolly monkeys (Lagothrix lagotricha poeppigii) in Ecuador during a one-year observational study and subsequently used molecular techniques to investigate population genetic structure and dispersal patterns for this taxon. Among adult male woolly monkeys, both affiliative and agonistic interactions were rare, and males were seldom in close proximity to one another. Relationships among male woolly monkeys are best characterized as tolerant, especially in the context of mating wherein direct competition among males was minimal despite the fact that females mated with multiple males. Relationships among females were likewise generally tolerant but nonaffiliative, though females often directed harassment towards copulating pairs. Affiliative interactions that did occur among woolly monkeys tended to be directed either between the sexes—primarily from female to male—or from younger towards older males, and the proximity partners of females tended to be members of the opposite sex. These results suggest that bonds between the sexes may be more important than same-sex social relationships and that direct female-female competition is an important feature of woolly monkey reproductive biology. Our genetic results indicate that, as in other atelins, dispersal by females is common, but some male dispersal likely occurs as well. In some but not all groups we studied, nonjuvenile males within social groups were more closely related to one another on average than females were, which is consistent with greater male than female philopatry. However, differences in these patterns among our study groups may reflect local variation in dispersal behavior.

Journal ArticleDOI
15 Sep 2005-Spine
TL;DR: The first report of pinealectomy in nonhuman primates in primates is reported, which strongly suggests that the possible etiologic factors producing idiopathic scoliosis in lower animals are different from primates, and findings in lower animal models cannot necessarily be extrapolated to human beings.
Abstract: Study design Prospective study on pinealectomy in primates. Objective To evaluate whether pinealectomy in a bipedal nonhuman primate model will result in the development of scoliosis. Summary of background data Pinealectomy in newborn chickens consistently resulted in scoliosis development. Published data suggest that the surgical removal of the pineal, loss of melatonin secretion, and a bipedal posture are important elements in the development of scoliosis in lower animal models. Method There were 18 rhesus monkeys between 8 and 11 months old that underwent pineal excision. All monkeys were kept in a regulated 12-hour light-dark cycle. Monthly radiographs assessed scoliosis development. Completeness of pineal excision was assessed by measurement of a major metabolite of melatonin in the urine, 6-sulfatoxymelatonin, using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay assessed. Results Mean follow-up was 28 months (range 10-41). Seven monkeys died prematurely, and 11 survived to date; the data from those that died could still be used, although follow-up was shortened. At the latest follow-up or death, scoliosis did not develop in any of the monkeys. Urinary 6-sulfatoxymelatonin measurements revealed 3 patterns. Group 1 consisted of 10 monkeys, which showed definite evidence of complete pineal excision. Group 2 consisted of an uncertain group of 2 monkeys in which the nighttime melatonin level is slightly high. Group 3 consisted of 6 monkeys that had incomplete pineal excision or ectopic melatonin production. Conclusions To our knowledge, this is the first report of pinealectomy in nonhuman primates. Of the 18 monkeys, 10 had a loss of melatonin secretion, for a mean of 29 months after surgery. Because none of the monkeys had scoliosis develop, this study strongly suggests that the possible etiologic factors producing idiopathic scoliosis in lower animals are different from primates, and findings in lower animals cannot necessarily be extrapolated to human beings.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: A quantitative approach is used to measure sexually dimorphic characters and to compare their development in the monogamous, polygynous, and multimale-multifemale mating systems of monkeys, apes, and human beings.
Abstract: Striking secondary sexual traits, such as brightly colored "sexual skin," capes of hair, beards, and other facial adornments occur in adult males of many anthropoid primate species. This review focuses upon the role of sexual selection in the evolution of these traits. A quantitative approach is used to measure sexually dimorphic characters and to compare their development in the monogamous, polygynous, and multimale-multifemale mating systems of monkeys, apes, and human beings.

Book
01 Jan 2005
TL;DR: Part 1: Definition of the Primate Model 1.1 The Taxonomy of Primates in the Laboratory Context 1.2 Similarities of Non Human Primates to Humans 1.3 Primate Natural History and Social Behaviour: Implications for Laboratory Housing Part 2: Primate Management 2.1 New World Primates 2.2.1 Practical Care & Management of Macaques 2.3.2 Vervet Monkey Breeding 2.4.5 Development of Specific Pathogen Free
Abstract: Part 1: Definition of the Primate Model 1.1 The Taxonomy of Primates in the Laboratory Context 1.2 Similarities of Non Human Primates to Humans 1.3 General Anatomy 1.4 Pathology 1.4.1 Non infectious diseases 1.4.2 Common Viral Infections 1.4.3 Modelling Parasitic diseases in Non Human Primates: Malaria, Chagas Disease and Filariasis 1.5 Reproduction: Definition of a Primate Model of Female Fertility 1.6 Male Reproduction and Fertilization 1.7 Primate Natural History and Social Behaviour: Implications for Laboratory Housing Part 2: Primate Management 2.1 New World Primates 2.1.1 Husbandry and Management: Marmosets and Tamarins 2.2 Old World Primates 2.2.1 Practical Care & Management of Macaques 2.2.2 Vervet Monkey Breeding 2.3 Nutrition and Nutritional Diseases 2.4 Environmental Enrichment & Refinement of Handling Procedures 2.5 Development of Specific Pathogen Free (SPF) Non Human Primate Colonies 2.6 Medical Care Part 3: Current Uses in Biomedical Research 3.1 Factors affecting the choice of species 3.2 Techniques & Procedures 3.2.1 Anaesthesia 3.2.2 Rigid Endoscopy 3.2.3 Ultrasound Imaging in Rhesus (Macaca mulatta)and Long-tailed (Macaca fascicularis) Macaques: Reproductive & Research Applications 3.2.4 Functional Magnetic Resonances Imaging in Conscious Marmoset Monkeys : Methods and Applications in Neuroscience Research 3.2.5 Radiographic Imaging of Non Human Primates 3.2.6 Imaging: Positron Emission Tomography (PET) 3.3 Current Uses in Biomedical Research 3.3.1 The Use of the Primate Model in Research 3.3.2 Chronic Diseases 3.3.3 Practical approaches to Pharmacological 3.3.4 Non Human Primate Models of Human Aging 3.3.5 Primate Models of Neurological Disease 3.3.6 Genetics: A survey of Non Human Primate Genetics, Genetic Management and Applications to Biomedical Research 3.3.7 The Respiratory System & its use in research 3.3.8 Reproduction - Male 3.3.9 Reproduction - Female 3.3.10 The Baboon as an Appropriate Model for Study 3.3.11 Virology Research 3.3.12 Parasitic Diseases of Non Human Primates

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: The results showed both primate species have a well-developed olfactory sensitivity for aliphatic ketones, and pigtail macaques generally perform better than squirrel monkeys in detecting members of this class of odorants.
Abstract: Using a conditioning paradigm, the olfactory sensitivity of three squirrel monkeys and three pigtail macaques for homologous series of aliphatic 2-ketones (2-butanone to 2-nonanone), symmetrical ketones (3-pentanone to 6-undecanone), and C7-ketones (2-heptanone to 4-heptanone) was assessed. In the majority of cases, the animals of both species significantly discriminated concentrations below 1 ppm from the odorless solvent, and with 2-nonanone and 5-nonanone the monkeys even demonstrated thresholds below 1 ppb. The results showed both primate species have a well-developed olfactory sensitivity for aliphatic ketones, and pigtail macaques generally perform better than squirrel monkeys in detecting members of this class of odorants. Further, in both species tested, we found a significant negative correlation between perceptibility in terms of olfactory detection thresholds and carbon-chain length of both the 2-ketones and the symmetrical ketones, but not between detection thresholds and position of the functional group with the C7-ketones. These findings lend further support to the growing body of evidence suggesting that between-species comparisons of the number of functional olfactory receptor genes or of neuroanatomical features are poor predictors of olfactory performance.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: The assumption that the behavioral relevance of an odorant may be an important determinant of a species' olfactory sensitivity is supported.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: The result indicates that rhesus monkeys, and possibly the Old World monkeys in general, diverged from humans 27-30 Myr ago, and support the inference that MHC-B and M HC-C duplicated after the divergence between apes and Old World monkey.
Abstract: To elucidate the origins of the MHC-B-MHC-C pair and the MHC class I chain-related molecule (MIC)A-MICB pair, we sequenced an MHC class I genomic region of humans, chimpanzees, and rhesus monkeys and analyzed the regions from an evolutionary stand-point, focusing first on LINE sequences that are paralogous within each of the first two species and orthologous between them. Because all the long interspersed nuclear element (LINE) sequences were fragmented and nonfunctional, they were suitable for conducting phylogenetic study and, in particular, for estimating evolutionary time. Our study has revealed that MHC-B and MHC-C duplicated 22.3 million years (Myr) ago, and the ape MICA and MICB duplicated 14.1 Myr ago. We then estimated the divergence time of the rhesus monkey by using other orthologous LINE sequences in the class I regions of the three primate species. The result indicates that rhesus monkeys, and possibly the Old World monkeys in general, diverged from humans 27-30 Myr ago. Interestingly, rhesus monkeys were found to have not the pair of MHC-B and MHC-C but many repeated genes similar to MHC-B. These results support our inference that MHC-B and MHC-C duplicated after the divergence between apes and Old World monkeys.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: The data support the suitability of the Rhesus monkey as a primate sarcopenia model and indicate percentage declines in ESM similar to those seen in humans with advancing age.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: It is demonstrated that the gene-density-correlated positioning of human 18 and 19 homologous CTs is evolutionarily conserved throughout all major higher primate lineages, despite chromosomal inversions, fusions, fissions or reciprocal translocations that occurred in the course of evolution in these species.
Abstract: Recently it has been shown that the gene-density correlated radial distribution of human 18 and 19 homologous chromosome territories (CTs) is conserved in higher primates in spite of chromosomal rearrangements that occurred during evolution. However, these observations were limited to apes and New World monkey species. In order to provide further evidence for the evolutionary conservation of gene-density-correlated CT arrangements, we extended our previous study to Old World monkeys. They comprise the remaining species group to be analyzed in order to obtain a comprehensive overview of the nuclear topology of human 18 and 19 homologous CTs in higher primates. In the present study we investigated four lymphoblastoid cell lines from three species of Old World monkeys by three-dimensional fluorescence in situ hybridization (3D-FISH): two individuals of Japanese macaque (Macaca fuscata), crab-eating macaque (Macaca fascicularis), and an interspecies hybrid individual between African green monkey (Cercopithecus aethiops) and Patas monkey (Erythrocebus patas). Our data demonstrate that gene-poor human 18 homologous CTs are located preferentially close to the nuclear periphery, whereas gene-dense human 19 homologous CTs are oriented towards the nuclear center in all cell lines analyzed. The gene-density-correlated positioning of human 18 and 19 homologous CTs is evolutionarily conserved throughout all major higher primate lineages, despite chromosomal inversions, fusions, fissions or reciprocal translocations that occurred in the course of evolution in these species. This remarkable preservation of a gene-density-correlated chromatin arrangement gives further support for a functionally relevant higher-order chromatin architecture.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: The results of the investigation suggest that the observed dimorphism in this population is primarily a product of greatly increased growth rates in dentally mature young adult males, in addition to prolonged male growth.
Abstract: Ontogeny and sexual dimorphism have been important topics of investigation among researchers interested in the life history and ecology of non-human primates. It has been suggested that sex differences in the duration of growth are primarily, but not entirely, responsible for the sexual dimorphism observed in primate species with multimale–multifemale social structure, such as that seen in macaque monkeys (subfamily Cercopithecinae). Sexual dimorphism and growth was investigated in a wild population of booted macaques Macaca ochreata from Sulawesi, Indonesia. The results of our investigation suggest that the observed dimorphism in this population is primarily a product of greatly increased growth rates in dentally mature young adult males, in addition to prolonged male growth. This pattern of male growth may be an adaptive response to reduce the risk of adult male aggression before obligatory male emigration, and to facilitate competition for females soon after immigration into a new social group.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: It is shown that squirrel monkeys, spider monkeys and pigtail macaques are able to detect androstenone at concentrations in the micromolar range and thus at concentrations at least as low as those reported in pigs and humans.
Abstract: Social communication by means of odor signals is widespread among mammals. In pigs, for example, the C19-steroids 5-aandrost-16-en-3-one and 5-a-androst-16-en-3-ol are secreted by the boar and induce the mating stance in the sow. In humans, the same substances have been shown to be compounds of body odor and are presumed to affect human behavior. Using an instrumental conditioning paradigm, we here show that squirrel monkeys, spider monkeys and pigtail macaques are able to detect androstenone at concentrations in the micromolar range and thus at concentrations at least as low as those reported in pigs and humans. All three species of nonhuman primates were considerably less sensitive to androstenol, which was detected at concentrations in the millimolar range. Additional tests, using a habituation–dishabituation paradigm, showed that none of the 10 animals tested per species was anosmic to the two odorous steroids. These results suggest that androstenone and androstenol may be involved in olfactory communication in the primate species tested and that the specific anosmia to these odorants found in ;30% of human subjects may be due to their reduced number of functional olfactory receptor genes compared with nonhuman primates.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: Compared between two guenon species, Chlorocebus aethiops and Cercopithecus mitis, exhibiting different habitual locomotor preferences, morphological results contradict commonly held "tenets" that relate body size and morphology exclusively to locomotion.
Abstract: Body weight and length, chest girth, and seven postcranial limb segment lengths are compared between two guenon species, Chlorocebus (Cercopithecus) aethiops (vervets) and Cercopithecus mitis (blue monkeys), exhibiting different habitual locomotor preferences. The subjects, all adults, were wild caught for a non-related research project (Turner et al. [1986] Genetic and morphological studies on two species of Kenyan monkeys, C. aethiops and C. mitis. In: Else JG, Lee PC, editors. Primate evolution, proceedings of the Xth International Congress of Primatology, Cambridge. London). The morphological results are interpreted within the context of previously published observations of primate locomotion and social organization. The sample is unique in that the body weight of each individual is known, allowing the effects of body-size scaling to be assessed in interspecific and intersexual comparisons. C. mitis has a significantly (P < 0.05) greater body weight and trunk length than C. aethiops. A shorter trunk may function to reduce spinal flexibility for ground-running in the latter. Proximal limb segments (arm and thigh) are significantly greater in C. mitis, reflecting known adaptations to committed arboreal quadrupedal locomotion. By contrast, relative distal limb segments (forearm, crus, and foot) are significantly longer in C. aethiops, concordant with a locomotor repertoire that includes substantial terrestrial quadrupedalism, in addition to arboreal agility, and also the requisite transition between ground and canopy. Although normally associated with arboreal monkeys, greater relative tail length occurs in the more terrestrial vervets. However, because vervets exploit both arboreal and terrestrial habitats, a longer tail may compensate for diminished balance during arboreal quadrupedalism resulting from the greater "brachial" and "crural" indices that enhance their ground quadrupedalism. Most interspecific differences in body proportions are explicable by differences in locomotor modalities. Some results, however, contradict commonly held "tenets" that relate body size and morphology exclusively to locomotion. Generally associated with terrestriality, sexual dimorphism (male/female) is greater in the more arboreal blue monkeys. A more intense, seasonal mating competition may account for this incongruity.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: The results suggest that arboreal locomotion, including quadrupedalism and suspension, requires functional demands quite dissimilar to those required in terrestrial quadrupedALism.
Abstract: The aims of this study were to describe the curvature of anthropoid limb bones quantitatively, to determine how limb bone curvature scales with body mass, and to discuss how bone curvature influences static measures of bone strength. Femora and humeri in six anthropoid genera of Old World monkeys, New World monkeys, and gibbons were used. Bone length, curvature, and cross-sectional properties were incorporated into the analysis. These variables were obtained by a new method using three-dimensional morphological data reconstructed from consecutive CT images. This method revealed the patterns of curvature of anthropoid limb bones. Log-transformed scaling analyses of the characters revealed that bone length and especially bone curvature strongly reflected taxonomic/locomotor differences. As compared with Old World monkeys, New World monkeys and gibbons in particular have a proportionally long and less curved femur and humerus relative to body mass. It is also revealed that the section modulus relative to body mass varies less between taxonomic/locomotor groups in anthropoids. Calculation of theoretical bending strengths implied that Old World monkeys achieve near-constant bending strength in accordance with the tendency observed in general terrestrial mammals. Relatively shorter bone length and larger A-P curvature of Old World monkeys largely contribute to this uniformity. Bending strengths in New World monkeys and gibbons were, however, a little lower under lateral loading and extremely stronger and more variable under axial loading as compared with Old World monkeys, due to their relative elongated and weakly curved femora and humeri. These results suggest that arboreal locomotion, including quadrupedalism and suspension, requires functional demands quite dissimilar to those required in terrestrial quadrupedalism.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: It is shown that statistically significant but low levels of head circumference sexual dimorphism are present in humans, rhesus monkeys, and baboons in early life, and it is suggested that brainDimorphism is not likely to impose an additional energetic burden to the gestating or lactating mother.
Abstract: Studies have shown that after controlling for the effects of body size on brain size, the brains of adult humans, rhesus monkeys, and chimpanzees differ in relative size, where males have a greater volume of cerebral tissue than females. We assess whether head circumference sexual dimorphism is present during early development by evaluating sex differences in relative head circumference in living fetuses and infants within the first year of life. Head circumference is used as a proxy for brain size in the fetus and infant. Femur length is used as a proxy for body length in the fetus. Ultrasonography was used to obtain fetal measures, and anthropometry was used to obtain postnatal measures in humans, rhesus monkeys, baboons, and common marmosets. We show that statistically significant but low levels of head circumference sexual dimorphism are present in humans, rhesus monkeys, and baboons in early life. On average, males have head circumferences about 2% larger than females of comparable femur/body length in humans, rhesus monkeys, and baboons. No evidence for head circumference sexual dimorphism in the common marmoset was found. Dimorphism was present across all body size ranges. We suggest that head circumference sexual dimorphism emerges largely postnatally and increases throughout maturation, particularly in humans who reach adult dimorphism values greater than the monkeys. We suggest that brain dimorphism is not likely to impose an additional energetic burden to the gestating or lactating mother. Finally, some of the problems with ascribing functional significance to brain size sexual dimorphism are discussed, and the energetic implications for brain size sexual dimorphism in infancy are assessed.

Journal ArticleDOI
01 Jan 2005-Gesture
TL;DR: Current evidence suggests that the gestures of apes and monkeys can neither be dismissed as simple conditioned responses nor be uncritically accepted as fully equivalent to human gestures.
Abstract: Captive monkeys and apes almost inevitably develop gestures to request food and objects from humans. One possibility is that these gestures are just conditioned responses without any understanding of the socio-cognitive causality underlying their efficacy. A second possibility is that they do involve some understanding of how they are (or fail to be) effective upon the behaviour of others. Observational evidence suggest that most apes and some monkeys coordinate their request gestures with joint attention behaviours — a criterion for early referential communication in human infants. However, experimental evidence about apes and monkeys‘ understanding of the causal role of joint attention in gestural communication is equivocal, with test pass and failure patterns that can be due to cognitive and/or motivational factors. Current evidence suggests that the gestures of apes and monkeys can neither be dismissed as simple conditioned responses nor be uncritically accepted as fully equivalent to human gestures.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: Old World monkeys originated in forest biomes, but became the dominant primate of the late Neogene because of their ability to live in environments ranging from closed, non-seasonal rainforests to open savannahs and alpine meadows.
Abstract: Primates evolved in the tropical forests of the Late Paleocene or Early Eocene. The cognitive, locomotor and life-history characteristics that define primates evolved under the equable and generally non-seasonal conditions that distinguish such forests. All primates since have carried the biological imprint of this original association with tropical forests. In Asia, the persistence of tropical forests in Indonesia from the Eocene onward has permitted tarsiers to endure and evolve, while other Eocene primates became extinct on their home continents. Following a disastrous decline in tropical forest distribution and primate diversity at the Late Eocene/Oligocene boundary, forests and primates rebounded during the Late Oligocene and Miocene. The dominant Old World primates of most of the Neogene were hominoids, which inhabited large tracts of woodlands and forests throughout Africa and Eurasia. These relatively large, frugivorous animals were quadrupedal, but many were capable of undertaking bridging postures that allowed them to stretch between arboreal substrates. Hominoids reached the apex of their evolutionary success in the Middle Miocene, then declined—as a result of the slow disappearance of their forest homes—in the Late Miocene, especially after 10 Ma. The extirpation of apes at this time can be traced to their inability to live in more seasonal and open habitats. Old World monkeys originated in forest biomes, but became the dominant primate of the late Neogene because of their ability to live in environments ranging from closed, non-seasonal rainforests to open savannahs and alpine meadows. This adaptability can be traced to their slightly faster life histories and their ability to thrive on a wide range of both high- and low-quality foods.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: The squirrel monkey may represent a new primate model for investigating the endocrinology of infant care-giving and changes in urinary prolactin over time reflected changes in the reproductive state of a female who was pregnant, gave birth and lactated during the study.