Relationship between Ontogenetic and Intraspecific Allometry of the Foot Skeleton in Japanese Macaques

Abstract

A series of 21 variables representing foot skeletal elements were measured on a sample of 152 Japanese macaques to examine the relationship between ontogenetic and static adult allometry. The similarity of ontogenetic and static allometries was tested by comparing the multivariate allometric coefficients extracted by the first principal component. In both groups, the metatarsals were positive allometry and the tarsal portion and phalanges were negative allometry compared with total size. In these measurements, static adult allometry resembled the process of ontogenetic allometry. Comparison of the anterior portion of the tarsus with the posterior portion revealed that the latter portion was positive allometry in ontogeny, and negative allometry in adult. The discrepancy of allometric coefficients between groups was also seen in the component bones of the hallux. From the results, there can be differences in size and shape relationships among ontogenetic and adult group. Therefore, at least in these measurements, static adult allometry is not an accurate guide to processes of relative growth.