Spontaneous congenital limb malformations in nonhuman primates: A review of the literature

Occurrence of split hand and foot anomaly in two male Macacamulatta at the Regional Primate Research Center, University of Washington, prompted a survey of the literature pertinent to limb abnormalities among nonhuman primates. In some primate populations the incidence of limb abnormalities is significantly higher than in human populations. The etiology of the abnormalities is uncertain and genetic and nongenetic factors may be responsible. Differential mortality and fertility rates are inconclusive; population and pedigreestudies are needed to determine their etiology and possible significance for understanding primate evolution.