A comparative study of the skeletal and muscular development of the squirrel monkey and how it relates to the locomotor patterns between the infant and the adult

Abstract

The composition of the body in relation to the distribution of skin, muscle, bone and other tissues is directly related to the activities the individual is capable of performing throughout its life stages. The infant squirrel monkey is born with 20.658 TBW devoted to muscle, 24.65% TBW in bone, 24.15% TBW in skin, and 24.7% TBW in other supporting tissues. The adult squirrel monkey tissue distribution changes to 41.0% TBW in muscle, 17.2% TBW in bone, 17.5% TBW in skin, and 24.6% TBW in other supporting tissues. Consistently the adult demonstrates a tissue distribution and size that is compatible to living in the trees, moving through areas to forage, and the ability to escape predators that enter their preferred habitat. The infant demonstrates a body composition and size consistent with limited mobility and dependence on its mother for nutrients. The trend in the change of tissue distribution through growth and maturation from infant to adult is demonstrated and explained in relation to activities at the various life stages of the squirrel monkey.