51.1k views
1 vote
Which type of locomotor pattern is typical of most primates?

User Maurice
by
8.4k points

1 Answer

0 votes

Final answer:

Most primates are adapted to arboreal locomotion, with brachiation (swinging through trees) and quadrupedalism (walking on all fours) being the common locomotor patterns, whereas bipedalism (walking on two legs) is unique to humans.

Step-by-step explanation:

The typical locomotor pattern of most primates can be described as arboreal locomotion, which involves various modes of movement among trees, a habitat in which many primate species have evolved. Particularly, many primates are adapted to brachiation, which is swinging from branch to branch using the arms, assisted by specialized anatomical features such as a rotating shoulder joint and hands adapted for gripping. Other common forms of primate locomotion include quadrupedalism, where primates walk on all fours, and to a lesser extent, bipedalism, which is exclusive to humans among living primates, and involves walking on two legs. In general, primates are adept at climbing due to their arboreal heritage, displaying a semi-erect or erect body posture supported by anatomical adaptations such as a wide range of motion in the upper limbs facilitated by a clavicle, and stereoscopic vision that aids in depth perception and balance during movement.

User Preyas
by
7.3k points