Skip to main content
profile image
Selected Works of Christine M. Harper
Article
Morphological variation of the Pan talus relative to that of Gorilla
American Journal of Biological Anthropology (2023)
  • Christine M Harper, Rowan University
  • Caleigh S Roach, Johns Hopkins University
  • Deanna M Goldstein, State University of New York at Stony Brook
  • Adam D. Sylvester, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine
Link
Abstract
Objectives: Differences in talar articular morphology relative to locomotion have
recently been found within Pan and Gorilla. Whole-bone talar morphology within,
and shared variation among, Pan and Gorilla (sub)species, however, has yet to be
investigated. Here we separately analyze talar external shape within Pan (P. t. troglodytes,
P. t. schweinfurthii, P. t. verus, P. paniscus) and Gorilla (G. g. gorilla, G. b. beringei,
G. b. graueri) relative to degree of arboreality and body size. Pan and Gorilla are additionally
analyzed together to determine if consistent shape differences exist within
the genera.
Materials and Methods: Talar external shape was quantified using a weighted spherical
harmonic analysis. Shape variation both within and among Pan and Gorilla was
described using principal component analyses. Root mean square distances were calculated
between taxon averages, and resampling statistics conducted to test for pairwise
differences.
Results: P. t. verus (most arboreal Pan) talar shape significantly differs from other Pan
taxa (p < 0.05 for pairwise comparisons) driven by more asymmetrical trochlear rims
and a medially-set talar head. P. t. troglodytes, P. t. schweinfurthii, and P. paniscus do
not significantly differ (p > 0.05 for pairwise comparisons). All gorilla taxa exhibit significantly
different talar morphologies (p < 0.007 for pairwise comparisons). The more
terrestrial subspecies of G. beringei and P. troglodytes exhibit a superoinferiorly taller
talar head/neck complex.
Discussion: P. t. verus exhibits talar morphologies that have been previously related
to more frequent arboreality. The adaptations in the more terrestrial G. beringei and
P. troglodytes subspecies may serve to facilitate load transmission.
Keywords
  • ankle,
  • arboreality,
  • foot,
  • terrestriality
Disciplines
Publication Date
Summer June 11, 2023
Citation Information
Christine M Harper, Caleigh S Roach, Deanna M Goldstein and Adam D. Sylvester. "Morphological variation of the Pan talus relative to that of Gorilla" American Journal of Biological Anthropology (2023)
Available at: http://works.bepress.com/christine-harper/16/