Abstract
Howler monkeys (Alouatta caraya) were studied in northern Argentina and subjected to complete post-mortem examination in connection with field observations of atherosclerosis. In order to estimate age of the animals, data was obtained on gross body dimensions, dental age, and organ weights in 298 animals covering the range of about 1–10 kg. The animals were divided into four size groups, and into male, non-pregnant and pregnant female categories. Statistical parameters were obtained for relative organ weights, organ allometry coefficients, gross body lengths, a body length formula based on the Ponderal Index and dental age. The parameters from howlers were compared with those for rhesus monkeys, chimpanzees, human and general primate organ allometric formulas, and differences due to sex and pregnancy reviewed. It is concluded that the growth pattern in howlers is rather similar to that reported for other primates, which makes it possible to estimate maturity satisfactorily, but that further methods must be developed for post-maturity dating.
Similar content being viewed by others
References
Boyd, E., 1962. In:Growth, ed.P.L. Altman &D.S. Dittmer. Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology, Washington, D.C., p. 348.
Brody, S., 1945.Bioenergetics and Growth. Reinhold Publishing Company, New York.
Clark, H.C., 1962. In:Growth, ed.P.L. Altman &D.S. Dittmer. Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology, Washington, D.C., p. 350.
Crandall, L.S., 1964.The Management of Wild Mammals in Captivity. University of Chicago Press, Chicago, pp. 92–94.
Crile, G. &D.P. Quiring, 1940. A record of the body weights and certain organ and gland weights of 3,690 animals.Ohio J. Science 40: 219–259.
Elliot, T.R. &I. Tuckett, 1906. Cortex and medulla in the suprarenal glands.J. Physiol. 34: 332–369.
Fisher, R.A. &F. Yates, 1957.Statistical Tables for Biological, Agricultural and Medical Research. 5th ed. Hafner Publishing Company, Inc., New York.
Gavan, J.A., 1953. Growth and development of the chimpanzee; a longitudinal and comparative study.Human Biol. 25: 93–143.
Hrdlicka, A., 1925. Weight of the brain and of the internal organs in American monkeys.Amer. J. Phys. Anthrop. 8: 201–211.
Huxley, J.S., 1932.Problems of Relative Growth. Methuen and Company, Ltd., London.
Inay, M. et al., 1940. The endocrine weights of primates.Endocrinology 7: 58–67.
Kennard, M.A. &M.D. Willner, 1941. Findings in 216 routine autopsies ofMacaca mulatta.Endocrinology 28: 955–966.
MacKay, L.L., 1928. Factors which determine renal weight. IV. Pregnancy and lactation.Amer. J. Physiol. 86: 215–224.
Malinow, M.R. &A. Corcoran, 1966. Growth of the lens in howler monkeys (Alouatta caraya).J. Mammal. 47: 58–63.
——, 1965. Aortic atherosclerosis in free-ranging howler monkeys (Alouatta caraya).Nature (London) 206: 948–949.
Schultz, A.H., 1956. Postembryonic age changes. In:Primatologia, ed.A.H. Schultz &D. Starck. Karger, Basel, Vol. I, pp. 887–964.
Stahl, W.R., 1965. Organ weights in primates and other mammals.Science 150: 1039–42.
van Wagenen, G. &H.R. Catchpole, 1956. Physical growth of the rhesus monkey (Macaca mulatta).Amer. J. Phys. Anthrop. 14: 245–273.
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Additional information
Publication No. 190 of the Oregon Regional Primate Research Center, Beaverton, Oregon, supported in part by Grants FR 00163 and GM 13605 of the National Institutes of Health.
About this article
Cite this article
Malinow, M.R., Stahl, W.R., Maruffo, C.A. et al. Growth in Howler monkeys. Primates 7, 433–447 (1966). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01730241
Received:
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01730241