Question

Hominoids are a specific subdivision of Catarrhini. What are Hominoids? What makes them different from other Catarrhines? What is meant by Suspensory locomotion? How does this differ from the way that monkeys move around? Explain the morphological changes that accommodate Hominoid suspensory locomotion.

Answer 1

Hominoids belong to the family of primates which includes gibbons, pongids , hominids and also the extinct related forms.

Hominoids have broad torso with widely spaced shoulder joints and have stiff back structure and their limbs are lengthy with strong grasping ability. They have larger brains and wide anterior palate. They have longer lifespan and delayed maturation.

How are Hominoids different from Catarrhinies :

Catarrhinies are the sister group of new world monkeys. They have flat nose and the face sideways. The finger and toenails are short and flater and they can grasp with both hands and feet. The old word Monkey may be taken to refer catarrhinies instead . In simpler differentation, we can say that homoniods are more of human look like species and catarrhinies monkey related species.

SUSPENSORY LOCOMOTION :

Suspensory locomotion is a form of locomotion that involves hanging or suspending the body below or above the tree branches. This helps to avoid ground as well as predators and cover longer distances.

This suspensory locomotion is used by monkeys. They use brachiation wherein monkeys jump from tree to tree using only their arms.

Morphological changes that accomodate Hominoid suspensory locomotion:

Hominoid have reduction in mediolateral breath of scapula and also change in the position of glenoid which helps in suspension on tree branches. Scapular changes in early Hominoids largely shows their ability for suspended locomotion.

Hope this helps ! Thank you..