Are bonobos (Pan paniscus) really more bipedal than chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes)?

Elaine N. Videan*, W. C. McGrew

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

Of the living apes, the chimpanzee (Pan troglodytes) and bonobo (Pan paniscus) are often presented as possible models for the evolution of hominid bipedalism. Bipedality in rnatched pairs of captive bonobos and chimpanzees was analyzed to test hypotheses for the evolution of bipedalisrn, derived from a direct referential model. There was no overall species difference in rates of bipedal positional behavior, either postural or locomotory. The hominoid species differed in the function or use of bipedality, with bonobos showing more bipedality for carrying and vigilance, and chimpanzees showing more bipedality for display.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)233-239
Number of pages7
JournalAmerican Journal of Primatology
Volume54
Issue number4
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 18 Jul 2001

Keywords

  • Bipedal
  • Bonobo
  • Chimpanzee
  • Locomotion
  • Positional behavior
  • Posture

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