LOCOMOTOR INFERENCES IN ANCHOMOMYS STEHLIN, 1916 (PRIMATES, ADAPIDAE) ON THE BASIS OF CALCANEAL PROPORTIONS Inferencias locomotoras en Anchomomys Stehlin, 1916 (Primates, Adapidae) en base a las proporciones del calcáneo

Anchomomys is a small adapid primate that has been recorded in Middle Eocene deposits of Spain from the localities of Sant Jaume de Frontanya 3C (Barcelona) and Caenes (Salamanca). Here we report the results of an allometric analysis of calcaneal proportions in primates and other mammals, in order to interpret the unusual calcaneal proportions to Anchomomys. This analysis confirms that calcaneal elongation in primates, as compared to other mammals, is a consequence of adaptation to grasping. Several primate groups differ in their respective degrees of distal calcaneal elongation due to differences in their degree of grasping behaviors and types of support. It is concluded that calcaneal elongation in Anchomomys cannot be interpreted as a leaping adaptation; on the contrary, this taxon displays the calcaneal proportion expected for a small-bodied primate with a grasping foot adapted to vertical climbing. Kewyords: Calcaneus, Paleobiology, Locomotion, Adapiformes, Fossil primates.