Trajectory analysis among African hominoids can provide insights into genetic and epigenetic influences during ontogeny.

Trajectory analysis demonstrated an epigenetic signal in Pan paniscus in the talus and among the other three hominoids in the tibia. Behavioral (epigenetic) changes may impact hominoid ankle shape in extant species. These changes may reflect differences in locomotor repertoire altering shape, as has been suggested in the Hominin fossil record. Further examination of closely related hominoid species may provide insights into potential behavioral influences in the rapid change and diversity of Hominin talo-crural shape in the Plio-pleistocene.