The Marmoset Monkey Page

Locomotion

 

· Strictly speaking, locomotion involves the movement of an animal from one location to another. Locomotory behaviour is important for animals because it determines how they travel from one location to another and it may also provide information to an observer as to why the animals are moving.

· Animals are restricted in locomotion by their body size, the habitat in which they live, and possibly by the strength of their tail. For example, a smaller primate (like the common marmoset) is able to run along the tops of branches using its tail for balance whereas a larger primate (like the spider monkey) must suspend itself below the branch with its arms and/or tail. Unlike the spider monkey, the marmoset's tail is not prehensile; it cannot be used as an additional limb, such as in hanging from a branch. Very large primates (like gorillas) often spend most of their time on the ground.

· Primates living in areas with very low tree cover, such as the African savannah, are primarily terrestrial, or ground dwelling. Those living in the forests, such as marmosets, are primarily arboreal, or tree dwelling. The different types of locomotion between primates reflect their terrain differences.

· In the common marmoset, locomotory behaviour is relatively easy to observe and may involve behaviour necessary to move between trees:

· Leaping/jumping from one structure to another

· Walking/running along a branch or other support

· Climbing

· It may also be important to understand why or to where an animal is moving. For example, is the animal being pursued?

· When a marmoset is approaching or retreating from another monkey or object, their pace is often faster and may appear as a "bouncing gait". Marmosets move about by walking, running, climbing, leaping or jumping when they are not approaching or retreating from another object or monkey.