Question

Relative to primate locomotion, what is brachiation? List three different primate species that demonstrate brachiation. What is the evolutionary advantage of this type of locomotion in these species?

Answer 1

Brachiation is known as arm swinging is a form of aboral locomotion and primates use brachiation to swing / move from one tree limb to another by using their forelimb. The trait that helps primate to use this kind of locomotion includes long forelimbs with rotating wrists, short spine, shor fingernails ( in the place of claws), reduced thumbs and curved fingers.

                         Few species of the primaes like gibbons , spider monkey and siamang use brachiation.

The main evolutionary advantage of brachiation is that it helps heavy primate species such asa Gibbons to move hrough the slender tree branches in search of food. Additinally, the primates like gibons who carry their young ventrally can gain advanage on their play activities, copulation, and fighting through brachiation .