Walk Like A Primate: Identifying the Various Primate Locomotion Patterns

The term primate refers to a variety of species, from lemurs to humans.  Because of the great deal of diversity among primates there is quite a bit of variation, but there are also some similarities.  One of those general similarities is primate locomotion patterns.  This refers to the means of movement that primates utilize to get around.  Today’s blog post will discuss the types of primate locomotion patterns.

Figure 1: Howler monkey demonstrating quadrupedalism

There are five primate locomotion patterns.  The first is quadrupedalism.  This is the use of all four limbs to allow the body to move (Figure 1).  Several different primate species utilize quadrupedalism, including langurs and howler monkeys.  

Figure 2: Ring-tailed lemur demonstrating vertical clinging and leaping on the ground

 

The second is vertical clinging and leaping.  This involves primates, such as the ring-tailed lemur, to climb and jump through the trees (Figure 2).  These primates often look like they’re jumping or dancing when they are on land because they are not adapted to terrestrial (land) dwelling.

Figure 3: Siamang demonstrating brachiation

 

The third locomotion pattern is brachiation, which is where a primate’s arms swing over each other (Figure 3).  This is an adaptation for arboreal (tree dwelling) primates.  This locomotion pattern is characteristic of siamangs and other gibbon species.

Figure 4: Gorilla demonstrating knuckle-walking

The fourth locomotion pattern is knuckle (also sometimes called fist) walking (Figure 4).  This mode of locomotion is a terrestrial one, and it is common among larger apes, such as gorillas and chimpanzees.  The last locomotion pattern is bipedalism, which is walking on two legs.  It is exclusive to humans, so no further explanation is required.