What does the term "arboreal behavior" refer to in early hominins?

The term "arboreal behavior" specifically refers to the adaptations and activities of organisms that spend a considerable amount of time in trees. In the context of early hominins, it suggests behaviors that involve climbing, foraging, and possibly nesting in trees, which are important for understanding the ecological niche and lifestyle of these ancestral species.

This behavior would have been significant for early hominins as it indicates a reliance on forested environments for food sources, shelter, and safety from terrestrial predators. Understanding arboreal behavior helps anthropologists piece together how early hominins might have lived, adapted, and evolved in their surroundings, particularly in relation to their movement and survival strategies.