ASSOCIATIONS BETWEEN HUMERAL HEAD SURFACE AND HABITAT USE IN CERCOPITHECIDS

The purpose of this research project is to expand upon the preliminary analysis of the articulating surface of the proximal humerus for two extant species, Piliocolobus badius (P. badius) and Cercocebus atys (C.atys). By obtaining information on the radius of curvature of the surface in three dimensions, a more complete study of the characteristics of the articulating surface as it relates to habitat use in these species can be conducted. Using various methods of 3D meshing and 3D modeling, the humerus head is effectively isolated and analyzed. Max radius and mean curvature plots have been produced to qualitatively and quantitatively compare the articulating surface of each proximal humerus analyzed. From the results of the full analysis, we hope to find characteristic trends that can relate the articulating surface to habitat use and primary modes of locomotion. Those results will be further used in the extrapolation of information for extinct species, as they relate to habitat usage and locomotion.