The relationship ofMesopithecus to living members ofColobinae is uncertain, some have interpreted it as an early offshoot outside the split between Asian and African colobines, while others have interpreted it as a close relative of the Asiandoucs (Pygathrix).[5]
Analysis of its anatomy suggests that members of the genus were semiterrestrial, spending a considerable amount of the time on the ground,[7][8] though some authors have argued that some species were likely arboreal.[9] Species ofMesopithecus were likely capable climbers and probably occasionally engaged in leaping.[2]
Dental microwear analysis shows thatMesopithecus had a preference for feeding on hard seeds,[10] but the microwear ofM. pentelici also indicates a mixed diet that did involvefolivory to some extent;[11] perhapsleaves were a fallback food for the colobine during times when its preferred food items were scarce.[12] Morphometric analysis of aM. pentelicimandible from Shuitangba inYunnan, China confirm that it was best adapted for eating hard seeds, though its more developed condyle length and moment arms of the temporomandibular joint and medial pterygoid muscles suggest this population ofM. pentelici exhibited a greater degree of folivory than others.[13]
^Palmer, D., ed. (1999).The Marshall Illustrated Encyclopedia of Dinosaurs and Prehistoric Animals. London: Marshall Editions. p. 289.ISBN1-84028-152-9.
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