Balancing on a Limb: Effects of Gravidity on Locomotion in Arboreal, Limbed Vertebrates

Abstract

Synopsis Reproduction is linked to a plethora of costs in gravid females, not least of which is a reduction in locomotor performance. Locomotor constraints due to gravidity are apparent across aquatic, terrestrial, and arboreal habitats. Decrements to speed and maneuverability are the most often cited performance consequences of gravidity, regardless of habitat. Arboreal habitats present additional challenges, as they often are composed of unstable and varying substrates that affect locomotor performance. Many arboreal taxa exhibit morphological adaptations, such as grasping extremities and tails, that function to aid in stability during locomotion. Tail length has been found to correlate with lifestyle: Arboreal mammals tend to have relatively longer tails compared with terrestrial counterparts. Balancing on a limb is hard on its own, but when combined with increased mass and shifts in center of mass due to pregnancy, it becomes even more challenging. However, few studies have explored the constraints that govern the intersection of arboreal locomotion, reproductive cost, and morphology. In this review, we identify fruitful areas for expansion of research and knowledge (i.e., the role of the tail) when it comes to arboreal balance during gestation.