Relative dimensions of the first metatarsals within 12 extant primates
10.16098/j.issn.0529-1356.2025.06.013
- VernacularTitle:12属现生灵长类第1跖骨的相对尺寸
- Author:
Tao LU
1
;
Peng JING
;
Meng-Nan ZHANG
;
Xiu-Li HUO
;
Bao-Pu DU
;
Yan GAO
Author Information
1. 首都医科大学基础医学院人体解剖学与组织胚胎学系,北京 100069
- Keywords:
First metatarsal;
Relative robusticity;
Locomotor patterns;
Classification;
Surface area;
Measurement;
Principal component analysis;
Extant primate
- From:
Acta Anatomica Sinica
2025;56(6):730-737
- CountryChina
- Language:Chinese
-
Abstract:
Objective To investigate the size variation in the first metatarsal of extant primates.Methods In this study,we analyzed 135 first metatarsal specimens across 12 primate genera,quantifying eight linear measurements,articular surface areas,mid-shaft cross-sectional area,total surface area,volume,and derived indices.Multivariate patterns were assessed through mean-based correspondence analysis and principal component analysis(PCA).Results Eulemur,Otolemur,Cebus,and Perodicticus exhibited a relatively high metatarsal surface-area-to-volume ratio.Perodicticus additionally showed a low articular facet index.Propithecus,Colobus,and Macaca displayed lower values for metatarsal shaft robusticity,the ratio of shaft cross-sectional area to base articular surface area,and the proximal articular facet index.Nasalis possessed a relatively high articular facet index.Pongo,Pan,Gorilla,and Homo sapiens were characterized by higher metatarsal shaft robusticity and a lower metatarsal surface-area-to-volume ratio.Principal component analysis revealed that the 12 extant primate genera could be broadly divided into two groups.Group 1 comprised Pongo,Pan,Gorilla and H.sapiens,although H.sapiens formed a distinct cluster relative to the extant great apes.Group 2 included Eulemur,Otolemur,Perodicticus,Propithecus,Cebus,Colobus,Macaca and Nasalis.Conclusion The relative sizedistribution of the first metatarsal provides some reference value for classifying extant primates.However,it demonstrates no clear correlations with specific locomotor patterns or foot grasping ability.
