Suspensory behavior

(Varecia variegata) In primates and sloths (Pteropus conspicillatus) Animals who exhibit suspensory behaviour have similar mechanisms to perform this action and often involve many different parts of their body like the trunk, shoulders and many other features of their upper body. Typically, these animals have an overall dorso-ventral flattening, a shortened lumbar region and a mediolateral expansion of the rib cage causing the scapula to be repositioned dorsally and humeral articulation to be oriented more cranially than the usual lateral placement shown in quadrupedal animals. The scapula is also longer, giving these animals a particular arm and shoulder shape. • Sit/forelimb-suspend: Most of the weight of the body is put on the ischium, however the abducted forelimbs grab a hold of a branch overhead and allow for the body to be stabilized and supports some of this weight that is being put on the ischia. The hind limbs are very important as they provide most of the strength to support the bat. == Locomotion ==

Suspensory locomotion aids with reducing path lengths and covering longer distances by moving faster through branches and trees above. Some animals such as the platyrrhines, use their tails for traveling and usually never use their forelimbs for transportation, while some species use both their tails and forelimbs. There are many different ways in which an animal can climb such as using alternating arms and legs, climbing sideways, fire-pole slides and head or bottom first decline. This is particularly harder for animals with a larger body mass, as carrying their entire weight becomes more difficult with size. Also involved with climbing is a "pulling up" motion in which the animal will pull itself above a branch using both of its arms and the hind limbs launch over the branch using a swinging motion. Bridging Animals use this type of behavior when crossing between trees and other surfaces. This movement requires the use of the hind limbs to leap across extended areas. Small animals have an easier time leaping between gaps, while larger animals are more cautious due to their weight and typically swing from branch to branch instead. == Feeding ==

Suspensory behaviour is very important for animals in regards to feeding. It has been reported that suspensory movements make up approximately 25% of all feeding strategies shown in primates. Suspension helps them reach fruits and other vegetation that might be difficult to obtain on foot, while allowing them to cover a large distance at a greater speed. Hanging by the tail is very common when foraging which permits the use of the hands and arms to not only grab food but to catch themselves if they were to slip or fall. Suspension allows for fast travel, which is helpful when collecting food as well. Speed allows animals to minimize competition while avoiding predators to ensure they grab as much food as they can in a short period of time. If an animal is in a high tree, they often eat their food then and there to avoid injury and predators. Quadrupedalism and bipedalism combined with suspensory mechanisms are crucial for providing support during feeding so the animal does not fall and risk losing the food, or risking its life. == Examples ==

Ateles_paniscus.jpg | Spider Monkey (Ateles paniscus) Varecia_variegata_full_body_curled_up.jpg | Ruffed Lemur (Varecia variegata) Bornean_Orangutan_mother_and_baby,_Seneca_Park_Zoo.JPG | Bornean Orangutan (Pongo pygmaeus) 9092_-_Milano_-_Museo_storia_naturale_-_Diorama_-_Bradypus_trydactilus_-_Foto_Giovanni_Dall'Orto_22-Apr-2007.jpg | Pale Throated Sloth (Bradypus tridactylus) == See also ==