Dendropithecus macinnesi


TAXONOMY:

MORPHOLOGY:
Dendropithecus macinnesi has a dental formula of 2:1:2:3 on both the upper and lower jaws (Fleagle, 1988). The incisors of this species are tall and narrow and the molars are broad with numerous crests (Fleagle, 1988). The canines are long and sharp in this species (Fleagle, 1988); the canines also show a high degree of sexual dimorphism (Conroy, 1990). The lower third premolar of this species is sectorial as in extant hylobatids (Conroy, 1990). The buccal cusp of the upper third premolar is strongly projecting (Conroy, 1990). This species had upper molars of relatively simple design with relatively small hypocones and well-defined trigones (Conroy, 1990); the third upper molar is also usually reduced (Conroy, 1990). This species had a relatively robust mandible (Conroy, 1990). The oral incisive fossa of this species "is a transversely broad basin that opens directly into the oral cavity" (Conroy, 1990). This species had long and slender limbs much members of the extant genus Ateles (Fleagle, 1988). Dendropithecus macinnesi had an average body mass of around 9.0 kilograms (Fleagle, 1988).

RANGE:
Dendropithecus macinnesi was found on the continent of Africa and occurred during the early Miocene (Fleagle, 1988).

DIET:
Based upon the dental morphology this was a frugivorous species in which leaves also probably played an important part in the diet (Fleagle, 1988).

LOCOMOTION:
Based upon the postcranial remains this was more than likely an arboreal quadruped who also moved by suspensory behavior (Fleagle, 1988).

REFERENCES:
Conroy, G.C. 1990. Primate Evolution. W.W. Norton and Co.: New York.

Fleagle, J.G. 1988. Primate Adaptation and Evolution. Academic Press: New York.

Last updated: November 16, 2001

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