Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

A Brief Review of Studies of Orangutan Morphology and Development with a Discussion of Their Relevancy to Physical Anthropology

  • Chapter
The Neglected Ape

Abstract

Studies of comparative anatomy and development have frequently been used to debate issues of hominoid phylogeny and taxonomy and to explain fossil ape and human morphologies. However, although a large corpus of information exists on human morphological development, information on the extant great apes, particularly the orangutan, remains deficient in areas critical for comparison with relevant fossil material, including the patterns, rates and variability of dental and skeletal development. Such data are particularly applicable in evaluating the life histories and phylogenetic relationships of recently discovered immature fossil apes. Recent studies have described (Winkler, 1987 et seq.) various aspects of orangutan anatomy and dental and somatic development documenting similarities between the orangutan and the other great apes as well as several differences in anatomical structure and developmental pattern. Many great ape similarities may be shared generalized anthropoid traits, whereas the differences can be explained, in many cases, by morphologies or developmental patterns unique to the orangutan. Because of extreme variability in many aspects of orangutan development and morphology, a great deal more information is needed to clarify taxonomic issues.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this chapter

Log in via an institution
Chapter
USD 29.95
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
eBook
USD 129.00
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as EPUB and PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
Softcover Book
USD 169.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Compact, lightweight edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info
Hardcover Book
USD 169.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Durable hardcover edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info

Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout

Purchases are for personal use only

Institutional subscriptions

Preview

Unable to display preview. Download preview PDF.

Unable to display preview. Download preview PDF.

References

  • Anderton, J., 1988, Anomalies and atavisms in appendicular myology. In J. Schwartz (ed.): Orang-utan Biology, New York: Oxford University Press, pp. 331–345.

    Google Scholar 

  • Andrews, P., 1982, Hominoid evolution. Nature 295:185–86.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Andrews, P. and Cronin, J., 1982, The relationship of Sivapithecus and Ramapithecus and the evolution of the orangutan. Nature 297:541–546.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Andrews, P. and Tekkaya, I., 1980, A revision of the Turkish Miocene hominoid Sivapithecus meteai. Palaeontology 9:85–95.

    Google Scholar 

  • Beddard, F., 1893, Contributions to the anatomy of the anthropoid apes. Trans. Zool Soc. Lond. 13:177–218.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Beynon, A. D., Dean, M. C., and Reid, D. J., 1991, Histological study on the chronology of the developing dentition in gorilla and orangutan. Am. J. Phys. Anthropol. 86:189–204.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Bluntschli, H., 1929, Die Kaumuskulaturdes Orang-Utan und Ihre Bedeutung für die Formung des Schadeis I. Teil: Das morphologische Verhalten. Gehen. Morphol. Jahrb. 63: 531–606.

    Google Scholar 

  • Boyer, E., 1935, The musculature of the inferior extremity of the orangutan Simia satyrus. Am. J. Anat. 56:193–256.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Boyer, E., 1939, The cranio-mandibular musculature of the orang-utan Simia satyrus. Am. J. Phys. Anthropol. 24:417–427.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Brandes, G., 1928, Der Durchbruch der Zahne beim orang-utan. Zool. Gart. 1:25–28.

    Google Scholar 

  • Brandes, G., 1929, Die Backenwulste des Orang-Mannes. Zool. Gart. 1:365–368.

    Google Scholar 

  • Brandes, G., 1939, Buschi: Vom Orang-Saugling zum Backenwulster, Leipzig: Verlagsbuchhandlung Quelle and Meyer.

    Google Scholar 

  • Darwin, C., 1871, The Descent of Man, Vol. 1, London: John Murray.

    Book  Google Scholar 

  • Dean, M., and Wood, B., 1981, Developing pongid dentition and its use for ageing individual crania in comparative cross-sectional growth studies. Folia Primatol. 36:111–127.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Delisle, F., 1895, Notes sur l’osteometrie et la Craniologie des Orang-Outans. Nouv. Arch. Mus. d’Hist. nat. 7, 3ser:83-118.

    Google Scholar 

  • Deniker, J. and Boulait, R., 1895, Notes Anatomiques sur les saces laryngiens, les excroissances adipeuses, les poumonts, les cerveaux, etc. des Orang-Outans. Nouv. Arch. Mus. d’Hist. nat. 7:35–56.

    Google Scholar 

  • Fick, R., 1895a, Beobachtungen an einan zweiten erwachsenen Orang-Utang und einenem Schimpansen. Arch. Anat. Physiol. Anatomische Abtheilung. 289-318.

    Google Scholar 

  • Fick, R., 1895b, Vergleichend anatomische Studien an einen erwachsenen Orang-Utang. Arch. Anat. Physiol. Anatomie Abtheilung. 1-100.

    Google Scholar 

  • Fooden, J. and Izor, R., 1983, Growth curves, dental emergence norms, and supplementary morphological observation in known-age captive orangutans. Am. J. Primatol. 5:285–301.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Galdikas, B., 1981, Orangutan reproduction in the wild. In C. E. Graham (ed.): Reproductive Biology of the Great Apes, New York: Academic Press, pp. 281–300.

    Google Scholar 

  • Goodman, M., 1976, Protein sequences in phylogeny. In F. Ayala (ed.): Molecular Evolution, Sunderland, MA: Sinauer Assoc, Inc., pp. 141–159.

    Google Scholar 

  • Graham, C.E., 1988, Reproductive Physiology. In J. Schwartz (ed.): Orang-utan Biology, New York: Oxford University Press, pp. 91–104.

    Google Scholar 

  • Groves, C., 1986, Systematics of the great apes. In D. Swindler and J. Erwin (eds.): Comparative Primate Biology, Vol. 1, New York: Alan R. Liss, pp. 187-217. @RefAuSty = Harvey, P. and Clutton-Brock, T., 1985, Life history variation in primates. Evolution 39:559–81.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Hepburn, D., 1892, The comparative anatomy of the muscles and nerves of the superior and inferior extremities of the anthropoid apes. J. Anat. Physiol, London 26:149–186, 324-356.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Hill, W., 1939, Observations on a giant Sumatran orang. Am. J. Phys. Anthropol. 24:449–505.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Hrdlicka, A., 1907, Anatomical observations on a collection of orang skulls from western Borneo. Proceedings of the United States National Museum. 31:539–568.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Huber, E., 1931, Evolution of Facial Musculature and Facial Expression, Baltimore: John Hopkins Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Huxley, T., 1863, Man’s Place in Nature, New York: D. Appleton and Co.

    Google Scholar 

  • Jeffries, J., 1826, Some accounts of the dissection of Simia satyrus orang-outang, or wildman of the woods. Philosophical Magazine and Journal 67:182–190.

    Google Scholar 

  • Kelley, J., 1993, Life history profile of Sivapithecus. Am. J. Phys. Anthropol. Supplement 16:123.

    Google Scholar 

  • Kingsley, S., 1988, Physiological development of male orang-utans and gorillas. In J. Schwartz (ed.): Orang-utan Biology, New York: Oxford University Press, pp. 123–132.

    Google Scholar 

  • Kluge, A., 1983, Cladistics and the classification of the great apes. In R. Ciochon and R. Corruccini (eds.): New Interpretations of Ape and Human Ancestry, New York: Plenum Press, pp. 151–177.

    Chapter  Google Scholar 

  • Krogman, W., 1930, Studies in growth changes in the skull and face of anthropoids. I. The eruption of the teeth in anthropoids and old world apes. Am. J. Anat. 46:303–313.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Krogman, W., 1931, Studies in the growth changes in the skull and face of the orangutan. Am. J. Anat. 47:343–365.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Leighton, M., Seal, U., and Tilson, R., 1994, Population viability analysis of orangutans in Gunung Leuser National Park. Paper presented at Int. Orang utan Conf, The Neglected Ape.

    Google Scholar 

  • Lightoller, G., 1928, The facial muscles of three orang-utans and two cercopithecidae. J. Anat. 63:19–81.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Linnaeus, C., 1767, Systema Naturae, per Regna etc., Tomus I, Editio Decima Tertia ed Editionem Duodecimam Reformatum Holmiensem, Vindobona: Thoma de Trattnern.

    Google Scholar 

  • Lippert, W., 1977, Erfahrungen bei der Aufzucht von Orang-Utans (Pongo pygmaeus, im Tierpark Berlin. Zool. Gart. 47:209–225.

    Google Scholar 

  • MacKinnon, J., 1974, The behavior and ecology of wild orang-utans (Pongo pygmaeus). Anim. Behav. 22:3–74.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Maple, T., 1980, Orangutan Behavior. New York: Van Nostrand Reinhold.

    Google Scholar 

  • Markham, Rosemary, 1995, Doing it naturally: reproduction in captive orangutans (Pongo pygmaeus), this volume.

    Google Scholar 

  • Martin, L. and Andrews, P., 1993, Renaissance of Europe’s ape. Nature 365:494.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Marzke, M., Hawkey, D., Young, D., and Fritz, J., 1993, Comparative analysis of weight gain, hand/wrist maturation, and dental emergence rates in chimpanzees in varying captive environments. Am. J. Phys. Anthropol. Suppl. 16:139.

    Google Scholar 

  • Nadler, R.D., 1988, Sexual and reproductive behavior. In J. Schwartz (ed.): Orang-utan Biology, New York: Oxford University Press, pp. 105–116.

    Google Scholar 

  • Orangutan Population and Habitat Viability Analysis Workshop., 1993, Medan, North Sumatra.

    Google Scholar 

  • Owen, R., 1830/1831, On the anatomy of the orang utan (Simia satyrus, L.). Proc. Zool. Soc. Lond. 1930/31:9–10.

    Google Scholar 

  • Owen, R., 1836, On the specific distinctions of the orangs. London and Edinburgh Philosophical Magazine 10:295–301.

    Google Scholar 

  • Owen, R., 1843, Notes on the dissection of a female orang-utan (Simia satyrus, Linn.). Proc. Zool. Soc. Lond. 1843:123–124.

    Google Scholar 

  • Pilbeam, D., 1982, New hominoid skull material from the Miocene of Pakistan. Nature 295:232–34.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Primrose, A., 1900, The Anatomy of the Orang Outan, Toronto (University of Toronto Studies, Anatomical Series 1.

    Google Scholar 

  • Raven, H., 1950, The Anatomy of the Gorilla. New York: Columbia University Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Rijksen, H., 1978, A Field Study on Sumatran Orang Utans (Pongo pygmaeus abelii Lesson 1827), Wagenin-gen, the Netherlands: H. Veenman and Zonen B.V.

    Google Scholar 

  • Rohrer-Ertl, O., 1988, Research history, nomenclature, and taxonomy of the Orang-utan. In J. Schwartz (ed.): Orang-utan Behavior, New York: Oxford University Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Rodman, P., 1988, Ecology and behavior of orangutans. In J. Schwartz (ed.): Orang-utan Behavior, New York: Oxford University Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Sarich, V. and Cronin, J., 1976, Molecular systematics of the primates. In M. Goodman and R. Tashian (eds.): Molecular Anthropology, New York: Plenum Press, pp. 141–170.

    Chapter  Google Scholar 

  • Schultz, A., 1933, Notes of the growth of anthropoid apes. Report of the Laboratory and Museum of Comparative Pathology. Zoo. Soc. Philadelphia 34-45.

    Google Scholar 

  • Schultz, A., 1936, Characters common to higher primates and characters specific to man. Quart. Rev. Biol. 11:259–283; 425-455.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Schultz, A., 1941, Growth and development of the orangutan. Contrib. Embryol, Carneg. Inst. 29:57–110.

    Google Scholar 

  • Schwartz, J., 1984, The evolutionary relationships of man and orang-utans. Nature 308:501–505.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Schwartz, J., 1988, Orang-utan Biology. New York: Oxford University Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Schwartz, J., 1990, Lufengpithecus and its potential relationship to an orang-utan clade. J. Hum. Evol 19:591–605.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Seitz, A., 1969, Einige Feststellungen zur Pflege und Aufzucht von Orang-Utans, Pongo pygmaeus Hoppius 1763. Zool. Gart. 36:225–245.

    Google Scholar 

  • Selenka, E., 1898, Rassen, Schadel und Bezahnung des Orangutan. Studien uber Entwickelung und Schadelbau 1:1–99.

    Google Scholar 

  • Sibley, C. and Ahlquist, J., 1984, The phylogeny of the hominoid primates, as indicated by DNA-DNA hybridization. J. Molec. Evol. 20:2–15.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Sigmon, B., 1974, A functional analysis of pongid hip and thigh musculature. J. Hum. Evol. 3:161–185.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Sigmon, B. and Farslow, D., 1986, The primate hindlimb. In D. Swindler and J. Erwin (eds.): Comparative Primate Biology Vol. 1: Systematics, Evolution, and Anatomy, New York: Alan R. Liss, Inc., pp. 671–718.

    Google Scholar 

  • Singleton, I., 1992, Abrief account of the hand rearing and development of a female Bornean orangutan Pongo pygmaeus pygmaeus at the Jersey Wildlife Preservation Trust. Dodo. J. Wildl. Preserv. Trust 28:78–84.

    Google Scholar 

  • Smith, B., 1992, Life history and the evolution of human maturation. Evol. Anthropol. 1:134–142.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Sola, S. M. and Kohler, M., 1993, Recent discoveries of Dryopithecus shed new light on evolution of great apes. Nature 365:543–545.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Sonntag, C., 1924, On the anatomy, physiology, and pathology of the chimpanzee. Proc. of the Zool. Soc. Lond. 1:323–429.

    Google Scholar 

  • Strauss, W., 1942, The structure of the crown-pad of the gorilla and of the cheek-pad of the orang-utan. J. Mammal. 0:276–281.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Sullivan, W. and Osgood, C. (1924/25, The facialis musculature of the orang, Simia Satyrus. Anat. Rec. 29:195–243.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Swarts, D., 1988, Deciduous dentition: implications for hominoid phylogeny. In J. Schwartz (ed.): Orang-utan Behavior, New York: Oxford University Press, pp. 263–270.

    Google Scholar 

  • Swindler, D. and Olshan, A., 1988, Comparative and evolutionary aspects of permanent dentition. In J. Schwartz (ed.): Orang-utan Behavior, New York: Oxford University Press, pp. 271–282.

    Google Scholar 

  • Swindler, D. and Wood, C., 1973, An Atlas of Primate Gross Anatomy. Seattle: University of Washington Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Szalay, F. and Delson, E., 1979, Evolutionary History of the Primates, New York: Plenum Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Traill, T., 1818, Observations on the anatomy of the orang-outang. Mem. Mernerian Nat. Hist. Soc. Edinburgh 3:1–49.

    Google Scholar 

  • Trinchese, S., 1870, Descrizione di un feto di Orang-Utan. Annali del Museo Civico di Storia Naturale. December, 1870.

    Google Scholar 

  • Ward, S. and Brown, B., 1988, Basicranial and facial topography in Pongo and Sivapithecus. In J. Schwartz (ed.): Orang-utan Biology, New York: Oxford University Press, pp. 247–260.

    Google Scholar 

  • Weinert, H., 1932, “Ursprung der Menschheit. ” Ueber den engeren Anschluss des Menschen-geschlechtes an die Menschenaffen. Stuttgart.

    Google Scholar 

  • Winkler, L., 1987, Age Related Changes in the Craniofacial Anatomy of the Orangutan. Ph.D. Dissertation: University of Pittsburgh.

    Google Scholar 

  • Winkler, L., 1989, The fatty cheek pads of the orangutan and their relationship to facial musculature. Am. J. Primatol. 17:305–319.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Winkler, L., 1991, The morphology and variability of the masticatory structures of the orangutan. Int. J. Primatol. 12:45–65.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Winkler, L., 1991, Aspects of dental development in the orangutan prior to the eruption of the permanent dentition. Am. J. Phys. Anthropol. 86:255–272., with J.H. Schwartz and D.R. Swindler)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Winkler, L., Schwartz, J., and Swindler, D., 1994, Variation in patterns of orangutan tooth formation: implications for comparing hominoids., abstract, Am. J. Phys. Anthropol. Supplement 18.

    Google Scholar 

  • Winkler, L., Schwartz, J., and Swindler, D., in press, The development of the orangutan permanent dentition: assessing patterns and variation in tooth development. Am. J. Phys. Anthropol.

    Google Scholar 

  • Winkler, L., in press, Relationships between the appearance of ossification centers of the wrist and ankle and dental development in immature orangutans and chimpanzees. Am. J. Phys. Anthropol.

    Google Scholar 

  • Wu, R., Han, D., Xu, Q., Qi, G., Lu, Q., Pan, Y., and Chen, W., 1982, More Ramapithecus skulls found from Lufeng, Yunnan-report on the excavation of the site in 1981. Acta Anthrop. Sinica 5:26–30.

    Google Scholar 

  • Yunis, J. and Prakash, O., 1982, The origin of man: A chromosomal pictoral legacy. Science 215:1525–1530.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Anthropology, University of Pittsburgh, Titusville, Pennsylvania, 16354, USA

    L. A. Winkler

Authors
  1. L. A. Winkler
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. Yerkes Regional Primate Research Center, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, USA

    Ronald D. Nadler

  2. Orangutan Foundation International, Los Angeles, California, USA

    Birute F. M. Galdikas

  3. California State University, Fullerton, California, USA

    Lori K. Sheeran

  4. University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, USA

    Norm Rosen

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

Copyright information

© 1995 Springer Science+Business Media New York

About this chapter

Cite this chapter

Winkler, L.A. (1995). A Brief Review of Studies of Orangutan Morphology and Development with a Discussion of Their Relevancy to Physical Anthropology. In: Nadler, R.D., Galdikas, B.F.M., Sheeran, L.K., Rosen, N. (eds) The Neglected Ape. Springer, Boston, MA. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4899-1091-2_24

Download citation

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4899-1091-2_24

  • Publisher Name: Springer, Boston, MA

  • Print ISBN: 978-1-4899-1093-6

  • Online ISBN: 978-1-4899-1091-2

  • eBook Packages: Springer Book Archive

Publish with us

Policies and ethics

Search

Navigation