Comparative Analysis of Forelimb Osteological Structures in Arboreal and Terrestrial Mammals in Indonesia
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.59890/ijnhs.v4i3.234Keywords:
Arboreal Mammals, Comparative Anatomy, Forelimb Osteology, Functional Morphology, Terrestrial MammalsAbstract
Indonesia represents one of the world’s major centers of mammalian biodiversity, characterized by diverse ecological adaptations associated with arboreal and terrestrial habitats. Variations in habitat utilization influence the osteological morphology of forelimb structures, particularly in supporting locomotion, climbing, grasping, and body stabilization functions. This study aimed to systematically analyze and compare the osteological structures of forelimbs in arboreal and terrestrial mammals in Indonesia to identify morphological adaptation patterns related to habitat specialization and locomotor behavior. The research employed a Systematic Literature Review (SLR) approach using PRISMA guidelines. Data were collected from 32 scientific articles published between 2021 and 2026. The findings revealed that arboreal mammals generally possess elongated forelimb bones, greater joint flexibility, and more developed phalangeal structures associated with climbing and grasping activities, whereas terrestrial mammals exhibit more compact and robust osteological configurations related to locomotor stability and body support. The study concludes that forelimb osteological morphology reflects ecological adaptation and locomotor specialization among mammals, contributing to comparative vertebrate anatomy, functional morphology, and biodiversity conservation studies in Indonesia
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