Dryopithecus africanus forelimb

An alternative to recent interpretations of locomotor and postural behaviour in Dryopithecus (Proconsul) africanus as characteristic of “brachiating” or “knuckle-walking” adaptations is suggested. Analysis of the available joint complexes of the D. africanus upper limb and consideration of criteria employed by some researchers demonstrate that reconstruction of positional behaviour in Miocene Hominoidea is extremely speculative. However, the direction and range of movement within the elbow and wrist complexes of D. africanus can be defined with reference to available articular surfaces. Movement capabilities were apparently similar to those of quadrupedal, palmigrade primates.