La evolución de Oreopithecus bambolii Gervais, 1872 (Primates, Anthropoidea) y la condición de insularidad

Abstract

In this paper, we describe the Upper Miocene hominoid Oreopithecus in the framework of insular environmental conditions not considered in earlier work, but highly important for understanding the unique adaptations of this ape. Three ecological factors, the limited geographic area, the limitation of the trophic resources, and the lack of predators decisively change the balance of selective pressures on islands, leading to an energy-saving locomotor behaviour and an increase in harvesting efficiency in the endemic mammals. These insular conditions provide the background for the specialised locomotor and manipulative adaptations of Oreopithecus. The results of our analysis suggest that bipedal locomotion, upright harvesting at the shrub level, and collecting food items with skilful hands were the main components of the locomotor and postural behaviour of Oreopithecus.