Caudal vertebral body articular surface morphology correlates with functional tail use in anthropoid primates.

Abstract in brief

• This study investigates how the shape and size of the articular surfaces on caudal vertebrae differ between primates with prehensile tails (like atelines and cebines) and those with nonprehensile tails, suggesting these variations are related to how the tails are used functionally.
• Researchers analyzed the intervertebral surfaces in ten primate species, finding that prehensile-tailed primates (which use their tails to suspend themselves) have larger, more convex articular surfaces, indicating adaptations to mechanical stresses from their tail use.
• Overall, the findings support the idea that tail function influences vertebral morphology, with specific surface shape differences corresponding to the mechanical demands of tail use during suspension versus non-suspension behaviors.]