Professor Susan G. Larson
Ph.D. University of Wisconsin, 1982
Contact Information:
email:
Susan.Larson@sunysb.edu
Phone: (631) 444-3115
Research Interests:
Working in the area of functional morphology of primates, Susan Larson has focused on the use of experimental techniques to test hypothesized relationships between form and function. These techniques include kinematic motion analysis, force plate studies, cineradiography, and bone strain analysis. However, most of her research involves the analysis of muscle function using the technique of electromyography. By better understanding the relationship between form and function she hopes to be able to interpret the adaptive significance of morphological features of fossil specimens. Larson has done extensive research on shoulder muscle function in primates, leading to a new set of functional characters that can be applied to the interpretation of fossils. Currently she is engaged in a project documenting the patterns of limb motion and muscle use displayed by quadrupedal primates. Primate quadrupedism is known to be unique in many ways when compared to that of nonprimate mammals. The goal of this project is to understand the underlying causes for these differences and how they relate to the evolution of the primate order.
