Part 3: Infer Locomotion

Quantitative Data Lab

Part 3. Infer Locomotion

Paleoanthropologists rely on data from bones and teeth to reconstruct the behavior of extinct primates.

Differences in locomotor behavior can be clearly demonstrated through the intermembral index (IMI).

The IMI compares upper and lower limb length to create a ratio.

IMI < 80 (longer lower limbs relative to upper limbs): leapers, bipedal
IMI > 100 (longer upper limbs relative to lower limbs): suspensory
IMI 80-100 (roughly equal upper and lower limb length): quadrupedal

Using the average upper limb and average lower limb measurements that Group 3 and Group 4 calculated, determine the intermembral index, and interpret this value in regards to the type of locomotion you would expect the long-tailed macaque to have.

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