In primate species in which brachiation is fully developed, a primate can move through the trees faster than a human can walk on the ground. |
The gibbons' specializations for brachiation may be derived from these same traits, rather than the other way about. |
An ape is defined by the ability to move through the trees swinging arm over arm in a form of locomotion called brachiation. |
Primate locomotion can be classified on behavioral grounds into four major types: vertical clinging and leaping, quadrupedalism, brachiation, and bipedalism. |
Like the gibbon, the siamang is diurnal and arboreal and moves by brachiation, progressing from one point to another by swinging from its arms. |
Vertical clinging and leaping, for instance, is primarily a function of the hind limbs, as is bipedalism, whereas brachiation is performed exclusively with the forelimbs. |