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By using a new technique for determining relative metatarsal robusticity, the distribution of the 1+5 pattern (in which M5 is the second most robust metatarsal after M1) and 1→5 pattern (in which M5 is the least robust of all metatarsals) was established in primates and a few other plantigrade mammals. The first pattern is associated with a terrestrial and the second with an arboreal substrate. Robusticity formulae are not connected with specific locomotor patterns, but a total robusticity quotient is associated with these patterns and substrate preference as well. Changes in substrate preference are accompanied by changes of total robusticity, an increased number of permutations and ultimately a change of the robusticity pattern. Intermetatarsal robusticity gradients are related to the direction and intensity of muscular activity. A combined analysis of all factors can reveal a great deal of the locomotor history of a taxon. |
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