Suspensory behavior

Suspensory behaviour is a form of arboreal locomotion or a feeding behavior that involves hanging or suspension of the body below or among tree branches.[1] This behavior enables faster travel while reducing path lengths to cover more ground when travelling, searching for food and avoiding predators.[2][3] Different types of suspensory behaviour include brachiation, climbing, and bridging. These mechanisms allow larger species to distribute their weight among smaller branches rather than balancing above these weak supports.[1] Primates and sloths are most commonly seen using these behaviours, however, other animals such as bats may be seen hanging below surfaces to obtain food or when resting.[1][4]

  1. ^ a b c Fleagle, John G. (1999). Primate adaptation and evolution (2nd ed.). San Diego [u.a.]: Acad. Press. ISBN 978-0-12-260341-9.
  2. ^ Youlatos, Dionisios (2002). "Positional Behavior of Black Spider Monkeys (Ateles paniscus) in French Guiana". International Journal of Primatology. 23 (5): 1071–1093. doi:10.1023/A:1019602116805. S2CID 28478677.
  3. ^ Primate locomotion : linking field and laboratory research. D'Août, Kristiaan., Vereecke, Evie E. New York: Springer. 2011. pp. 205–211. ISBN 9781441914194. OCLC 704395283.{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: others (link)
  4. ^ Vandoros, Jason Demetri; Dumont, Elizabeth Rachel (2004-04-01). "Use of the wings in manipulative and suspensory behaviors during feeding by frugivorous bats". Journal of Experimental Zoology. 301A (4): 361–366. doi:10.1002/jez.a.20040. ISSN 1552-499X. PMID 15039995.