A biomechanical study of the long bones in platyrrhines.

The long bones of 72 individuals of extant platyrrhines, belonging to 17 species (11 genera) were studied by regressions of length, diameters and curvature. Cross-sectional shapes at midshaft and axial and bending strength indicators were also calculated. Results show that forelimb bones scale faster than hindlimb bones, for both length and diameters. Curvature scales faster in the femur than in other bones. Strength indicators showed a high variability in the relative importance of axial and bending loadings. Results are consistent with field observations of locomotor behaviour, mainly as regards quadrupedalism versus suspensory locomotion.