Biomechanics and Primate Locomotion Lab Report

Biomechanics and Primate Locomotion Lab Report

Table of Contents

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Instructions

Biomechanics and Primate Locomotion Lab Report

Here goes round two of Lab Reports. This one is going to pull from two separate Virtual

Labs, though you will see that they relate to the same concept. Each of the labs

provides such little content that the two should really be grouped together in creating a

cohesive whole.

Begin this assignment by reading the Lab Exercises for both Lab 3 and Lab 4. These

are the datasets you will be working with. Sections 2 and 3 of Lab 4 will provide you with

general anatomical information regarding the bones you are working with.

The goal of the lab report is to make inferences about locomotor behavior by analyzing

skeletal material. This is what we do in paleontology. Since we seldom (if ever) find a

complete skeleton, we have come up with a variety of ways to discuss life history,

adaptations, and behavior from most elements of the skeleton. This aspect of

paleontological work encompasses the fields of biomechanics and functional

morphology. These elements do not always tell us the whole story, but every little bit

counts.

Before you dive into your work, I want to clarify what data you are to use. The activity in

Lab 3 is pretty straight forward. Other than some color-coding issues in the scatter plots,

you should not run into many problems. It doesn’t quite show you the parameters for

measuring the Olecranon Process vs the Ulnar Shaft. Do your best by examining the

image on the opening page. Even if you struggle, however, the lab ultimately gives you

the measurements to work with.

Lab 4 is unfortunately a little more convoluted. After you get through the review of

Scientific Method, the lab shows you how to measure the Humerofemoral Index. This is

your primary metric for this activity. After you go through the motions of obtaining this

index, however, Kappelman gives you a different metric (the Intermembral Index) as

well as body mass. Ignore these! Proceed in this report only by using the indices that

you measured (Olecranon-Ulnar & Humerofemoral). The lab explains that this

measurement can be used as an approximate for the Intermembral Index and so that is

how we will use it. It is important to treat this exercise as if you only have three bones to

study (Humerus, Ulna, Femur). When reporting on the intermembral index, state clearly

that you are using the Humerofemoral Index as a proxy. This will not ruin your

interpretation as it plots in the same general area. Honestly, I don’t know why he throws

extra data at you. It’s unnecessary and less realistic.

I also want you to ignore the body mass provided for you (also unrealistic). You are

asked to make assumptions about body mass in your conclusions. In plotting the

Humerofemoral index on the Intermembral Index plot, you will see a range of body sizes

that are common for this Index. That is what you discuss.

Finally, ignore the behavioral data. If you could study these primates in real time their

identity would not be a mystery…

Lab Report 2: Biomechanics and Primate Locomotion

Between Labs three and four, Kappelman provides students with two metric activities.

These focus on a specimen titled “mystery primate”. Students are provided with three

osteological elements to assess: the Ulna, the Humerus, and the Femur. With these in

hand, two separate biomechanical indices are obtainable. The Olecranon-Ulnar index

measures the length of the Olecranon Process relative to the length of the Ulnar Shaft.

The Humerofemoral index measures the relative proportion of the forelimb to hindlimb.

Each of these indices can be used to make assumptions about the mystery primate’s

locomotor style.

This lab report will be an exercise in paleontology. Students are said to have found

these three elements and are asked to provide insight into the locomotor style. Your

report should follow the following outline/answer the follow question.

Introduction (In any order, include the following)

-Explain what is meant by locomotion and the four common primate locomotor styles

discussed in the lecture.

-Explain the scenario. Your team has discovered three primate limb bones and you

have been tasked with determining the animal’s mode of locomotion.

-Thesis statement

Here is your googled definition of a thesis statement: A thesis statement is

one sentence that expresses the main idea of a research paper or essay, such as an

expository essay or argumentative essay. It makes a claim, directly answering a

question.

Materials and Methods

              -What are the elements you are working with

              -What are the indices that you will be calculating

                             -how are they calculated

Results

              -What are the index values

              -Where do they fit in the plots provided in the lab

                             -which species do they plot with?

              (feel free to copy and paste the scatter plots as well)

Discussion

General statement regarding this data and the overall locomotor pattern.

Discuss your findings beyond the simple locomotor classification (not just one of the

four categories discussed above). There are low values and high values for each

grouping. The differences reflect variations of that particular group. (this is explained in

the lab content)

Explain the function of the indices. Why are the limbs building this way? What are the

functional specifics? (explained in the lab content)

Can we make assumptions about body mass?

Conclusions

Assuming that the Mystery Primate is a known species, what species do your

measurements suggest it is (refer to the scatter plots)? What sort of environment would

you expect to find it in? Given its locomotor style and assumed body mass, what

predictions could you possibly make about its diet? What other data would you need to

confirm your predictions?

Biomechanics and Primate Locomotion Lab Report

RUBRIC
Excellent Quality 95-100%	Introduction 45-41 points The background and significance of the problem and a clear statement of the research purpose is provided. The search history is mentioned.		Literature Support 91-84  points The background and significance of the problem and a clear statement of the research purpose is provided. The search history is mentioned.			Methodology 58-53 points Content is well-organized with headings for each slide and bulleted lists to group related material as needed. Use of font, color, graphics, effects, etc. to enhance readability and presentation content is excellent. Length requirements of 10 slides/pages or less is met.
Average Score 50-85%	40-38 points More depth/detail for the background and significance is needed, or the research detail is not clear. No search history information is provided.		83-76  points Review of relevant theoretical literature is evident, but there is little integration of studies into concepts related to problem. Review is partially focused and organized. Supporting and opposing research are included. Summary of information presented is included. Conclusion may not contain a biblical integration.			52-49  points Content is somewhat organized, but no structure is apparent. The use of font, color, graphics, effects, etc. is occasionally detracting to the presentation content. Length requirements may not be met.
Poor Quality 0-45%	37-1 points The background and/or significance are missing. No search history information is provided.		75-1 points Review of relevant theoretical literature is evident, but there is no integration of studies into concepts related to problem. Review is partially focused and organized. Supporting and opposing research are not included in the summary of information presented. Conclusion does not contain a biblical integration.			48-1 points There is no clear or logical organizational structure. No logical sequence is apparent. The use of font, color, graphics, effects etc. is often detracting to the presentation content. Length requirements may not be met
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