We aim to elucidate the evolutionary history of primates including humans based on the functional morphology and phylogenetic analysis of fossil and living primates.
The section aims to elucidate the evolution and adaptive significance of physical characteristics and their functions in primates, including humans. In particular, our recent research focuses on evolutionary processes and diversity in primate species, the development and biomechanics of bipedal and other specialized forms of locomotion, the functional adaptations of sensory organs, and the ontogeny and aging processes. We approach these topics by combining morphometric, experimental and field research.
To understand the process of primate evolution, we take a multidisciplinary approach in the investigation of fossil primates, taking into account the effects of environmental change. We are now searching for primate fossils from the Late Miocene to Pliocene sediments in Myanmar, for comparison with the Pleistocene primate fauna of Guangxi Province, southern China. Changes in the primate fauna are likely influenced by environmental changes in Southeast Asia, such as the
establishment of its monsoon climate.