3D analysis of primate hindlimb joints : reconstructing positional abilities in extinct primates [abstract]

Abstract

This study uses articulated 3D polygonal models of the pelvis and femur to simulate range of abduction during loading, and evaluates effects of different aspects of morphology on femoral postures. Continuous laser scan data of the pelvis and femur were collected for a large sample of extant primates, as well as fossil apes and hominins. Microscribe landmark data of intact pelves were used to orient innominate scans in 3D virtual space. Morphological variation and range of thigh abduction were quantified with PolyWorks software.