bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Size and morphology of the permanent dentition in prehistoric Ohio Valley Amerindians
Authors: Sciulli Paul W.
Published: August 2005

Metric and morphological characterizations of the permanent teeth from a total of 155 prehistoric Amerindians are presented. The individuals represent samples from three Ohio Valley burial complexes (considered together as the Late Diffuse group): Glacial Kame, Adena and Ohio Hopewell. Metric data include common measures of central tendency and dispersion. From these measures estimates and analyses of the magnitude of sexual dimorphism and relative variability are presented as well as analyses of the patterns of these estimates. Forty morphological characters are also tabulated.

The results indicate a number of provisional hypotheses: the generally larger tooth size of the Late Archaic Indian Knoll when compared to the Late Diffuse groups is consistent with the hypothesis of mitigated selective pressures in more technologically advanced groups; although tooth size is smaller in the Late Diffuse groups, dental morphology is as complex, or more so when compared to the Indian Knoll group. Since morphology and size do not covary exactly the biocultural forces resulting in smaller tooth size do not seem to act as strongly on dental morphology; odontological differences within the Late Diffuse arise primarily between the Glacial Kame‐Adena and the Ohio Hopewell. These differences correspond to major biocultural changes in this area; although provisional hypotheses concerning odontological variability are erected, hypotheses concerning evolutionary trends must await the discovery of evolving lineages within these groups; similarities are noted among all compared groups including the pattern and magnitude of sexual dimorphism and relative variability. These parameters may be similar for all eastern Amerindians during this period; finally, the morphology of the deciduous dentition, which generally predicts that of the permanent teeth, is found to be less complex than the permanent teeth. This may be the result of a selective disadvantage for the individuals in the deciduous dentition sample which is reflected in the dentition.
Sex assessment of the femur: A test of a new method
Authors: DiBennardo Robert , Taylor James V.
Published: August 2005

Simple and multiple discriminant functions using mid‐shaft femoral circumference for the determination of sex were used to test a sexing method recently proposed by Black. The method was able to correctly assign sex for 82% of the sample, which consisted of 115 North American White femora of verified age and sex. Circumference proved as accurate as any other criteria that have been used in sexing the femur. This suggests a usefulness beyond the limited archaeological scope originally proposed by Black.
Natural variation and differential diagnosis of skeletal changes in tuberculosis
Authors: Kelley Marc A. , El‐Najjar Mahmoud Y.
Published: August 2005

Twenty‐six documented cases (17 blacks, 9 whites) of skeletal tuberculosis from the Hamann‐Todd Osteological Collection, Cleveland Museum of Natural History, were analyzed for lesion variability and patterns of multiple site involvement. In addition, several documented cases of pathologic conditions (osteomyelitis, vertebral fractures, and malignant bone tumors) that resemble skeletal tuberculosis were photographed and described for use in differential diagnosis. The range of variation of tuberculous lesions was found to be considerable. Thirty‐eight percent (10/26) of the cases display skeletal lesions in two or more regions concomitantly. The average number of vertebrae affected, as well as the incidence of multiple bone involvement, were found to be higher in blacks. Certain combinations of skeletal lesions (e. g., spine‐rib, spine‐rib‐sternum, and spine‐hip) may be useful in the diagnosis of tuberculosis in dry bone material.
Fluctuating dental asymmetry: A measure of developmental instability in Down syndrome
Authors: Barden Howard S.
Published: August 2005

Subjects with Down syndrome provide a useful model for investigating the effect of chromosomal aneuploidy on developmental pathways. Studies suggest that a major effect of trisomy is a decrease in developmental stability. The present study examines fluctuating dental asymmetry in Down syndrome.

Mesiodistal crown diameters were measured from dental casts of 114 Down syndrome subjects. Correlation coefficients for antimeric permanent teeth served as an index of dental asymmetry. These values were compared with normal values obtained from the literature.

Fluctuating dental asymmetry is thought to reflect the relative success of developmental homeostasis in countering developmental disturbances. Down syndrome subjects have significantly increased dental asymmetry. In addition, they show a disproportionate increase in dental asymmetry for those teeth reported to have the least developmental stability. These results support the contention that the chromosomal imbalance in Down syndrome results in amplified developmental instability.
Origin of bipedalism
Authors: Prost J. H.
Published: August 2005

Human and chimpanzee locomotor behaviors are described and compared using field patterns derived from measurements of the motions at the joints. Field patterns of human and ape bipedalism are so different that it is doubted whether the nonhuman type could ever have been a precursor of the human type. Chimpanzee quadrupedal vertical climbing and human bipedalism are, on the other hand, similar and a particular variety of this kind of climbing probably was the precursor of human bipedalism. Animals adapted to this variation would have had some brachiation‐like morphological traits in their pectoral limbs and some hominid‐like morphological traits in their pelvic limbs, traits anticipating the human condition. The australopithecines possessed these traits and must have been adapted to arboreal quadrupedal vertical climbing, having the capacity, at the same time, to perform facultative terrestrial bipedalism, moving on the ground in a manner visually identical to that of humans.
Sex differences in the Ilia of a known sex and age sample of fetal and infant Skeletons
Authors: Weaver David S.
Published: August 2005

Ilia from a known sex, race, and age sample of fetal and infant skeletons from the collections of the Smithsonian Institution were evaluated for six metric and one nonmetric characters. Three indices calculated from the measurements were analyzed. The nonmetric trait was examined for fit with known sex. The three indices failed to show significant sex differences. The nonmetric trait, Auricular Surface Elevation, proved dependable (91% accurate) for the male Fetal and Six Month age groups.
Discrete dental trait asymmetry in Mexican and Belizean groups
Authors: Baume R. M. , Crawford M. H.
Published: August 2005

Discrete dental trait asymmetry was scored on four Mexican Indian and two Afro‐Belizean groups. The Mexican populations show significantly higher mean asymmetry than the two populations from Belize even though the Belizean groups have larger teeth. Point biserial coefficients of correlation between asymmetry of discrete traits and tooth size is low and in most cases not significant. This study indicates that populational and ethnic differences exist in the asymmetry of discrete traits, suggesting that these traits may be used to investigate the etiology of dental asymmetry, and the relative roles of genetics and environment.
Aspects of the distribution of HbS in the United States
Authors: Alfred Braxton M.
Published: August 2005

Frequencies of HbS obtained by several screening clinics are analyzed for age, sex, and location effects. All seem to be present in some form, though age and sex effects may be conditional on location. An attempt is made to elaborate the common observation of increasing frequency with age. This is shown to be the result of differences in fertility favoring the normal. A simulation which íncludes 25% admixture was done. The results indicate a genetically relevant New World experience for the population to be about 9–12 generations with the heterozygote having fitness of 0.96–0.99.
A late divergence hypothesis
Authors: Greenfield Leonard Owen
Published: August 2005

The possibility of a Middle‐Late Miocene separation of the human lineage from the lineages leading to the extant great apes, based on paleontological and phenetic evidence, is presented. Middle Miocene Sivapithecus, rather then Early Miocene Dryopithecus, is supported as a last common ancestor of Pongo, Pan, Gorilla, and Homo. Estimates for the branching of the lineages are a maximum of 15 m.y.a. for the Pongo lineage and a range from 14‐6 m.y.a. for the Pan, Gorilla, and Ausralopithecus/Homo lineages. Weaknesses of the late divergence hypothesis are discussed.
Ontogeny, auditory structures, and primate evolution
Authors: Conroy Glenn C.
Published: August 2005

The anatomy of the auditory region, particularly the carotid circulatory patterns and ectotympanic‐petrosal relationships, has played a prominent role in primate systematics and phylogenetic reconstructions. Ontogenetic stages of petrosal‐ectotympanic relationship are presented for certain strepsirhines. It is suggested that the “ectotympanic tube” or “ossified annulus membrane” found in early Tertiary primates is not necessarily an homologous structure to the true ectotympanic tube seen in haplorhines, and thus cannot be considered a shared, derived feature linking known Paleogene primates from Europe or North America to tarsioid and/or anthropoid ancestry. No fossil primate yet discovered makes a convincing ancestor for the earliest known anthropoids from the Oligocene of Africa. This is probably due to the fact that it still lies undiscovered in the Paleogene of Africa.
A discussion of dental homology with reference to primates
Authors: Schwartz Jeffrey H.
Published: August 2005

The inconsistencies which exist when the traditional tooth‐to‐bony‐landmark/tooth‐to‐occlusal‐relationship criteria of identification of teeth are maintained are discussed. It is pointed out how these (e.g., “the canine is the tooth behind the premaxillary‐maxillary suture”) can be falsified. It is also suggested that some mammals, including Tarsius and Homo sapiens, develop homologies of three sets of “teeth,” and that the “adult” antemolar dentition of a mammal may be composed of retained deciduous teeth as well as permanent teeth. Following a revision of dental homologies in most primates, an approach to reevaluating dental homologies is proposed, and a model of tooth “loss” presented.
Relationships in six groups of rhesus monkeys I. Networks
Authors: Hanby J. P.
Published: August 2005

Monkey groups are characterized in terms of their networks of relationships. Six groups, each consisting of one adult male, several adult females and immatures, were studied over the same time period. This provided data on interaction patterns within groups and the ways in which individuals' kinship, backgrounds, idiosyncrasies, age and sex affected their interactions. Consistencies and changes in group networks in the course of time and in the face of events such as births, deaths, separations, and introductions are given special attention. Principles of networks are discussed with reference to problems of social structure such as cohesion, permeability, communication, stability and competition.
Relationships in six groups of rhesus monkeys II. Dyads
Authors: Hanby J. P.
Published: August 2005

Dyadic relationships are described for rhesus monkeys living in six groups. The kinds, frequencies, directionality, and overall patterning of interactions are examined over a twelve‐month period for adult males, adult females, and young monkeys. Kinship, sex, age, reproductive conditions, time, events, and other social relations all affected dyadic relationship. Certain patterns of interactions characterized different relationships, such as those termed “special,” “tense,” “affiliative,” “conflicting.” A component approach is recommended for the understanding of relationships based on an appraisal of attraction, familiarity, and deference between individuals. The importance of assessing relationships in the group context is stressed.
The endocast of the Omo L338y‐6 Juvenile Hominid: gracile or robust Australopithecus?
Authors: Holloway Ralph L.
Published: August 2005

This report is a description of a reconstructed endocast of the Omo L338y‐6 Juvenile Hominid, which has been attributed by Rak and Howell (1978) to the Australopithecus boisei taxon. The reconstructed volume obtained is 427 ml. For a variety of reasons, including the specimen's low endocranial volume, the author regards it more likely that this specimen should be attributed to a gracile line of Australopithecus. In addition to having a low endocranial volume, the cerebellar morphology is more reminiscent of the gracile form, the meningeal patterns (as per Saban, 1978) are more indicative of a gracile than robust pattern, and there is no occipital marginal sinus traversing either side of the foramen magnum.
Body fat in urban and rural male college students of Eastern India
Authors: Bandyopadhyay Bishanbindu , Chattopadhyay Haripada
Published: August 2005

Male college students (N = 381) residing in several districts of Eastern India, classified into two groups, urban (N = 193) and rural (N = 188), were studied by anthropometric measurements of skinfold thicknesses in several sites of the body to determine their body fat content. The mean value of percentage of body fat was found to be significantly higher (P < 0.001) in the urban group of students (12.07 ± 3.04) than in the rurals (11.04 ± 2.63). The mean values of skinfold thicknesses of the biceps, triceps, and subscapular regions were also found to be higher in urbans (P < 0.01), but no such significant differences in mean values of supra‐iliac and abdominal skinfolds were found between the two groups of students. Most of the subjects of both the groups had a greater thickness of the abdominal skinfold compared to thickness of the biceps, triceps, and suprailiac skinfolds. It was found that the college students of Eastern India were leaner than the youths of North America, Europe, Japan, and Northern India.
Mortality changes in a polish rural community (1350–1972) and estimation of their evolutionary significance
Authors: Piontek Janusz , Henneberg Maciej
Published: August 2005

Changes in the mortality profiles of the population of 13 villages in central Poland have been studied for the medieval and nineteenth‐century periods. Three measures, derived from the demographic data, were analyzed within an evolutionary context: (1) Im, the opportunity for selection through differential mortality, (2) Rpot, the potential gross reproductive rate, and (3) Ibs, the index of biological state. Changes in these indicators over time denote sharp differences in the opportunity for natural selection through differential mortality. The greatest changes are associated with technological and organizational transformations of the social system, especially during the first half of the nineteenth century.
Patterns of size variation and correlation in the dentition of the red colobus monkey (Colobus badius)
Authors: Cochard Larry R.
Published: August 2005

There have been numerous studies on variability and correlation in dental crown size, but the significance of the resulting patterns remains unclear. Regions of low variation and high correlation have been hypothesized to represent the poles of Butler's morphological fields, to be related to absolute tooth size, or to be related to morphological complexity of the teeth and functional efficiency. Variation and correlation of tooth lengths and breadths were investigated in 138 red colobus monkeys to further assess the relations among size associations, crown morphology, and absolute tooth size. In the maxilla and mandible, the postcanine teeth are the most highly correlated and least variable, followed by the incisors, then the canines. There are also lower correlations between premolars and molars than within either group. While there appears to be a relation between degree of morphological differentiation and levels of correlation and variation, there are no notable differences in the correlation of opponents along the dental arcade, which is the most important functional consideration. This suggests that different levels of correlation and variation within upper or lower teeth are “artifacts” of tooth dimensions that contribute to different geometric designs in different tooth groups as the germs develop. This morphological effect is coupled with the influence of integration fields, indicated by higher variability and lower correlations of the third molar, the largest or most molarized tooth. It is concluded that there are wide functional tolerances in occlusion with respect to the gross dimensions of dental crowns and their interrelationships.
Ancient bone disease in a Peruvian mummy revealed by quantitative skeletal histomorphometry
Authors: Weinstein Robert S. , Simmons David J. , Lovejoy C. Owen
Published: August 2005

Histomorphometry of an undecalcified, transileal bone core from a Peruvian mummy dating from the pre‐Columbian civilization at Chancay, Peru (A.D. 400–1600) showed low trabecular bone volume and trabecular atrophy suggesting skeletal pathology. Subtle metabolic disorders which might remain undetected by quantitative analyses limited to cortical bone architecture can be identified in extinct populations with this minimally invasive technique.
Allometric analysis of dental variation in a human population
Authors: Perzigian Anthony J.
Published: August 2005

There exists an extensive literature that deals with interspecific allometry, eg, brain size‐body size relationships among species. Yet comparatively little attention has been paid to intraspecific or static adult allometry. An intraspecfic allometric analysis was conducted on the complete permanent dentition of a prehistoric American Indian population (N = 156). Mesiodistal and buccolingual measurements were logarithmically transformed and regressed on log transformations of femur length, an estimate of body size. When measurements of antimeric teeth were introduced together into common regressions on femur length, 20 of the 32 slopes were significantly different from zero. Thirty‐one of the slopes ranged between zero and one and clustered between 0.2 and 0.4. Hence, negative allometry describes the tooth size‐body size association, ie, taller individuals in general possess absolutely but not relatively larger teeth than shorter individuals. In addition, no significant sex differences for the regression slopes were observed. Though significantly correlated, tooth size and body size variables are too weakly associated to permit accurate predictons from regression equations. Evolutionary implications of intraspecfic dental allometry are discussed.
Pan paniscus and human evolution
Authors: McHenry Henry M. , Corruccini Robert S.
Published: August 2005

Detailed comparisons of the postcranium, cranium, and dentition of Pan paniscus, Pan troglodytes, and Homo reveal that except for slight differences in fore‐ and hindlimb proportions and the morphology of the shoulder, the postcranium of the two species of Pan are allometrically scaled variants of the same animal and one does not resemble Homo more than the other. Nor does the postcranium of one species of Pan resemble Australopithecus more closely than the other when the effects of body size are controlled. The over all morphological pattern of the skull and teeth of the two chimpanzees is clearly different, however, but both are about equally distinct from the earliest known members of the family Hominidae.
A differential environmental effect on human anterior tooth size
Authors: Kolakowski Donald , Bailit Howard L.
Published: August 2005

Factor‐analytic studies of human tooth size routinely exhibit separate factors for the mesiodistal and buccolingual dimensions of anterior teeth but a single factor each for premolar and molar size. This observed independence within the anterior field is shown to be attributable to a much larger effect of environmental factors on the buccolingual vs. the mesiodistal diameters, a significant cause of which may be calculus accumulation hitherto unrecognized in the relevant literature. The heritability of dental dimensions is also discussed.
Contour analysis of masticatory jaw movements and muscle activity in Macaca mulatta
Authors: Byrd Kenneth E. , Garthwaite Charles R.
Published: August 2005

Frontal plane mandibular movements during mastication and the associated electromyographic (EMG) activity for left and right superficial masseter, posterior temporalis, anterior temporalis, and anterior belly of the digastric (ABD) were studied for two adult male Macaca mulatta by the new technique of “contour” analysis. Contour analysis allowed graphic and quantitative portrayal of multiple chew cycle patterns of mandibular movement and EMG activity during active mastication. A series of computer programs (ATS, ATSED, ATSXYZ) facilitated the collection, editing and definition, and finally processing of these masticatory data into contour plots. These preliminary data indicated the essential symmetry of mandibular movement patterns, high chew cycle variability inferior to occlusion, multiple centers of intense EMG activity for balancing‐side superficial masseter, and no difference between working‐side anterior and posterior temporalis EMG patterns. Maximum EMG amplitude was found in the area of buccal phase power stroke (BPS). Maximum EMG amplitude for ABD was located medial and inferior to occlusion; all other muscle maximum amplitudes were buccal and inferior to occlusion. The location of maximum EMG amplitudes for superficial masseter and ABD were closer to occlusion (more superior) during mastication of carrot than were maximum amplitudes during biscuit mastication. The absence of any detectable shift of EMG maximum amplitude location between biscuit and carrot for posterior and anterior temporalis suggested, along with the continuous EMG activity of working‐side posterior temporalis, a secondary role for the temporalis (compensation for superficial masseter activity) during active mastication.
Form and patterning of anterior tooth wear among aboriginal human groups
Authors: Hinton Robert J.
Published: August 2005

Form and severity of dental attrition was assessed in aboriginal human groups including hunter‐gatherers (Eskimos, Australians) and those with dependence to a varying degree on food production (Southwest U.S. and Ohio American Indians). Wear on anterior teeth was both relatively and absolutely greater in the hunter‐gatherers, as indicated by comparisons of wear on anterior and posterior teeth which come into occlusion at roughly the same time. Distinct differences in form of anterior wear were also apparent: The hunter‐gatherers exhibited steadily increasing incidences of labially rounded wear with greater functional age, while the food‐producing groups showed little or no rounding but instead high frequencies of heavily cupped wear (especially in those with premature loss of posterior teeth). These differences were attributed to nonmasticatory utilization of the front teeth in hunter‐gatherers and to employment of the anterior teeth in masticatory (grinding) activities necessitated by large‐scale molar loss in food producers.
Geographical variation of digital dermatoglyphics in Africa
Authors: Vecchi Francesco
Published: August 2005

Data from 142 male and 43 female samples of African populations have been used to analyze the geographical variation of digital dermatoglyphics (arches, loops, whorls, and pattern intensity index) in Africa. The patterns of geographical variation have been summarized as contours of sixth‐degree polynomial surfaces by means of trend‐surface analysis.

As pointed out by early studies, Africa exhibits geographical clines of digital dermatoglyphic patterns. However, only some of the frequency gradients previously described for the region find confirmation in the present study.
Electron‐optical microscopic study of incipient dental microdamage from experimental seed and bone crushing
Authors: Peters Charles R.
Published: August 2005

No living analogue exists for the hypothetical early hominid hard/tough‐seed, coarse‐root‐eating, and bone‐crushing masticatory adaptation. To investigate possible microdamage/microwear to dental enamel caused by such usage, puncture‐crushing experiments were carried out on single human teeth, using an Instron compression apparatus on the following six test materials: Makapansgat Limeworks chert (e.g., taphonomy), fresh steer longbone, mongongo nuts, Grewia berries, Carob beans, and wild‐onion bulbs. Pairs of extracted unworn third molars were utilized, with one tooth acting as the control. The teeth were mounted, ultrasonically cleaned, and two‐stage replicas made with a vinyl polysiloxane elastomer and araldite epoxy resin. After Instron loading and materials failure (1.2–395.0 kg) the test items and the crowns were prepared for comparison with scanning electron microscopy and dispersive x‐ray elemental analysis and mapping.

The results revealed that although grit adhering to food item surfaces caused microscratches (0.1–1.0 μm wide) similar in appearance to those caused by opal phytoliths in grasses, the dicotyledonous seed coats per se were unable to score enamel. This suggests microscratch morphology alone may not provide a reliable indication of food type. In some cases puncture‐crushing of bone and hard legumes produced a localized microfracture pattern (crazing with cracks less than or equal to 0.1–1.0 μm wide) that was readily distinguishable from the simulated taphonomic damage caused by chert fragments, suggesting analysis of enamel microfracture patterns may provide clues as to early hominid dietary adaptations.
Intra‐ and interobserver error in craniometry: A cautionary tale
Authors: Utermohle Charles J. , Zegura Stephen L.
Published: August 2005

This study investigates intra‐ and interobserver measurement error in craniometry. Data consists of 72 craniometric measurements taken on a series of 28 Sadlermuit Eskimo crania. Utermohle measured the series twice; Zegura measured it once. Statistical procedures used to demonstrate measurement imprecision include the mean difference, the method error statistic, two‐way anova without replication, the t‐test for paired comparisons, Fisher's distribution‐free sign test, and the t‐test for independent samples. The results indicate less intraobserver repeatability than expected as well as an alarming lack of interobserver reproducibility for many of these craniometric measurements. We hope these results will serve as a caution against the widespread belief that craniometric measurements are always produced with a high degree of precision by experienced craniometrists. In addition, these results suggest that investigators employing craniometric measurements to study population affinities, functional morphology, forensics, fossil primates, and human microevolution might profit from conducting a measurement error analysis as an important baseline for the interpretation of the biological significance of their results.
Differences in molar wear gradient between juvenile macaques and langurs
Authors: Teaford Mark F.
Published: August 2005

Interspecific differences in the amount and form of molar wear in nonhuman primates are only beginning to be documented and understood. The purpose of this study was to look at the wear gradient between M1 and dm2 in a sample of macaques and langurs to determine if differences in wear gradient could be related to differences in diet. A skeletal collection of wild shot Presbytis cristatus and Macaca fascicularis from the Museum of Comparative Zoology at Harvard University was examined using stereophotogrammetric techniques. X, Y, and Z coordinates were used to compute the areas of dentin exposure on the buccal cusps of M1 and the buccal cusps of dm2. The relationship between these variables was examined using Bartlett's three group method and least squares regression. Intergeneric comparisons of the resultant y‐intercepts indicate that the macaques have more dentin exposed on dm2 when there is none exposed on M1. Factors that might be responsible for this difference include differences in dentin/enamel structure, differences in molar eruption timing, and differences in behavior. At the present time, behavioral differences between the genera appear to be the most likely cause of the difference in wear gradient.
Pliocene hominid mandibles from the Hadar formation, Ethiopia: 1974–1977 collections
Authors: White Tim D. , Johanson Donald C.
Published: August 2005

The Pliocene hominid mandibles of A. afarensis from Hadar, Ethiopia are described anatomically.
Dental remains from the Hadar formation, Ethiopia: 1974–1977 collections
Authors: Johanson Donald C. , White Tim D. , Coppens Yves
Published: August 2005

Dental remains of Australopithecus afarensis recovered from the Pliocene Hadar Formation, Ethiopia (1974–1977) are described anatomically. Descriptions are accompanied by illustrations and measurements.
Levels of social organization and male–female bonding in the genus Papio
Authors: Anderson Connie M.
Published: August 2005

Pair‐bonding in the genus Papio seems to be the result of fusion of troops as well as fission. When troop segments regularly split and join again, males who permanently maintain exclusive access to a few females may have an advantage over males who compete for all females who are in estrus. When two or more troops regularly fuse, this advantage may be greatly increased.
Playing 'possum: A microwear experiment
Authors: Gordon Kathleen D. , Walker Alan C.
Published: August 2005

A recent experiment to evaluate the reliability of dental microwear as an indicator of diet seems to show that differences in diets fed to laboratory animals are not reflected by their tooth wear. We feel that these results are misleading, and reflect not so much the limits of microwear analysis per se, but rather result from the problems of design and execution inherent in any experimental simulation of natural feeding behavior. The experiment in question was flawed in several respects, and we think that changes in the methods and assumptions of the study are necessary before the experimental approach can yield meaningful results with which to test hypotheses about microwear analyses.
The genetics of a wild population of rhesus monkeys (Macaca mulatta). I. Genetic variability within and between social groups
Authors: Melnick Don J. , Jolly Clifford J. , Kidd Kenneth K.
Published: August 2005

One hundred and eighty‐nine members (86%) of five social groups in a small population of rhesus monkeys in the Himalayan foothills of the Northwest Frontier Province of Pakistan were trapped and blood samples were drawn. Each individual's plasma and red‐cell hemolysate were screened for variation at 35 structural loci. Considerable genetic variation was found within the population (proportion of polymorphic loci = 0.143; average heterozygosity per individual = 0.053), and social groups were significantly heterogeneous in their gene frequencies. However, the distribution of genotypes in the population and the overall level of intergroup genetic differentiation (FST = 0.0346) indicates substantial gene flow (about 50% per generation) among social groups. Thus, we can find no genetic evidence that the social subdivision of rhesus populations impedes gene flow to any great extent. We suggest that the social structure of such primates will not itself produce the high levels of homozygosity necessary for rapid speciation, but it will make such levels more likely in the event of geographical or ecological isolation.
A hominine hip bone, KNM‐ER 3228, from East Lake Turkana, Kenya
Authors: Rose M. D.
Published: August 2005

A male hominine partial hip bone, KNM‐ER 3228, from East Lake Turkana, Kenya is described. In most of its features this specimen resembles modern human male hip bones. This is especially true for functional features related to weight transfer from the trunk to the pelvis and within the pelvis, and to the effective action of musculature arising from the pelvis during the performance of the modern human type of bipedalism. KNM‐ER 3228 is very similar to the Olduvai Hominid 28 and the Arago XLIV hip bones, both attributed to Homo erectus.
Additional fossil Theropithecus from Hopefield, South Africa: A comparison with other African sites and a reevaluation of its taxonomic status
Authors: Dechow Paul C. , Singer Ronald
Published: August 2005

Additional fossil Theropithecus remains, recovered from mid to late Pleistocene deposits near Hopefield, South Africa, include portions of the jaws of at least five individuals. Extensive comparisons with fossil Theropithecus from other African sites, including Makapan, Swartkrans, Kanjera, Olorgesailie, and Olduvai, reveal few morphological differences, especially when variation in modern gelada baboons (Theropithecus gelada) and savannah baboons (Papio) is considered. The most pronounced differences between fossil forms are overall size and relative P3 length. However, these traits do not separate the fossil forms either chronologically or geographically. Other traits, such as depth of the fossa of the mandibular corpus, slope of the upper symphyseal shelf, and variation in the depth of the mandibular corpus, do not distinguish alleged primitive forms (Makapan and lower beds at Olduvai) from remains found at Hopefield, Swartkrans, Kanjera, Olorgesailie, Olduvai Bed IV, or the lower Ndutu Beds. Other traits, such as canine crown height and incisor size, are poorly documented for fossil Theropithecus. Thus, the available evidence suggests that Theropithecus darti and its successional species, T. oswaldi, can best be considered as a single fossil species, T. oswaldi, of which the remains from Hopefield are a late representative. Furthermore, lack of morphological differences dictates that Hopefield Theropithecus not be considered a distinct subspecies. Variation within the Hopefield sample shows that only one taxa is found at this site. Hypothesized physical and climatic conditions at Hopefield during the Pleistocene suggest that T. oswaldi lived near vleis or fresh water lagoons. Comparisons with modern T. gelada suggest a graminivorous diet for the fossil form.
Cortical bone maintenance and geometry of the tibia in prehistoric children from Nubia's Batn el Hajar
Authors: Van Gerven Dennis P. , Hummert James R. , Burr David B.
Published: August 2005

The relationship between advancing age in adults and patterns of cortical bone maintenance has been extensively documented for archaeological populations (Dewey, et al., 1969; Van Gerven et al., 1969; Perzigian, 1973). Most recently, this research has been expanded to include a more thorough consideration of the geometric properties of bone in relationship to adult age changes (Martin and Atkinsin, 1977; Ruff and Hayes, 1983). To date, however, few studies have documented subadult patterns of cortical bone maintenance in archaeological populations and none have incorporated the relationship between patterns of cortical bone loss and gain and the changing geometric properties of growing bone. Using a sample of 172 tibias from children excavated from the Medieval Christian site of Kulubnarti, located in Nubia's Batn el Hajar, the present research examines the relationship between percent cortical area, bone mineral content, and cross‐sectional moments of inertia. Among these children, bone mineral content increases steadily from birth in spite of a reduction in percent cortical area during early and late childhood. It appears, therefore, that tissue quality of the bone is not adversely affected by the reduction. Furthermore, the reduction in percent cortical area in later childhood corresponds to a dramatic increase in bending strength measured by cross‐sectional moments of inertia. Thus, whether this cortical reduction is due entirely or in part to either normal modeling or nutritional stress, the tissue and organ quality of the bone is not adversely affected.
Australopithecine taxonomy and phylogeny in light of facial morphology
Authors: Rak Yoel
Published: August 2005

The beginning of specialization characterizing the robust australopithecines is manifested in almost every aspect of the masticatory system of Australopithecus africanus. Of particular significance is the presence of two massive bony columns on both sides of the nasal aperture that support the anterior portion of the palate. These columns—the anterior pillars—are viewed as a structural response to the greater occlusal load stemming from the beginning stages of molarization of the premolars and exerted on the more anterior part of the dental arcade. In A. africanus the molarization process is, indeed, just in its initial phase, but the still considerable protrusion of the palate relative to the more peripheral facial frame increases the need for pillars. The anterior pillars and the advancement of the inferior part of the infraorbital plate (the origin of the masseter) play a major role in molding the facial topography of A. africanus. The absence of the pillars and the common position of the masseteric origin lead us to define the face of A. afarensis as the most primitive of the australopithecines and allow us to discriminate between its facial morphology and that of A. africanus. The presence of anterior pillars in the face of the latter places it clearly in the robust australopithecine clade.
Observations on the formation and persistence of radiopaque transverse lines
Authors: Hummert James R. , Van Gerven Dennis P.
Published: August 2005

The formation and persistence of radiopaque transverse lines have been assessed in the living in clinical studies of growth, nutrition, and disease. Lines have also been used by many researchers in the analysis of patterns of childhood stress in prehistoric skeletal materials, although most of this research has been undertaken on adult bones.

However, how reliable and useful are transverse lines for interpretations of stress? The precise etiologies for their appearance are varied and controversial, and lines are also known to resorb during both childhood and the adult years. Sex differences in both their formation and persistence have also been reported.

To assess better the viability of lines as indicators of stress, the present research analyzes rates of formation, distribution frequencies, and the persistence of transverse lines in individuals aged birth to 50 + years from a single archaeological population. The results suggest that while transverse lines may be analytically useful as subsidiary criteria for more fully understanding the biological well‐being of prehistoric populations, caution should be exercised in the interpretations made concerning childhood stress, particularly when using adult bones.
Isolation by distance, linguistic similarity, and the genetic structure on Bougainville Island
Authors: Relethford John H.
Published: August 2005

Previous research has revealed extensive genetic variation among villages on Bougainville, in the Solomon Islands. Using previously published gene frequency data for seven loci, the role of isolation by distance in structuring genetic variation on Bougainville was reanalyzed. Newer methods of kinship estimation show that earlier estimates of the isolation by distance parameters were low. The fit of the model is highly significant (R2 = 0.409; P < 0.001), and the parameter estimates indicate high isolation: a = 0.0538, b = 0.1978, L = −0.0057. Several methods of residual analysis were applied in order to determine factors affecting the fit of the model. Linguistic similarity has a significant effect on genetic variation once the effects of geographic distance are taken into account. Population‐specific deviations from the expected model may be explained, in part, in terms of population history. Compared to other human populations, Bougainville Island shows an even greater among‐group variation than has been suggested previously.
Transmissible and nontransmissible components of anthropometric variation in the Alexanderwohl Mennonites: II. Resolution by path analysis
Authors: Devor Eric J. , McGue Matt , Crawford Michael H. , Lin Paul M.
Published: August 2005

A study of the intergenerational transmissibilities of 34 anthropometric measures from the Alexanderwohl Mennonite congregations of Kansas and Nebraska is presented. Results presented tend to confirm the suggestion made previously by us (Devor et al., 1985) that patterns of transmissibility conform to a concept of “functional multifactorial complexes” operating in the body in a way analogous to the “field” concept of dental morphology.
Intra‐ and interobserver concordance in classifying dental morphology
Authors: Nichol Christian R. , Turner Christy G.
Published: August 2005

A sample of 50 Kodiak Island Eskimo dental casts were observed, using standard reference plaques, three times by one observer and once by a second observer, for 47 graded and discrete morphological characters of the dentition and jaws. Although the frequency of both intra‐ and interobserver scoring differences between observation sessions are relatively high for some characters, statistical analysis reveals that differences are largely random in direction and cancel out. Most dental morphological variants can be observed in a ranked fashion with adequate within‐ and between‐observer reliability. However, four traits present both within‐ and between‐observer difficulties: the tuberculum dentale, the canine distal accessory ridge, marginal accessory cusps of the upper first premolar, and the anterior fovea on the lower first molar.
Dental pathology of prehistoric residents of Oregon
Authors: Hall Roberta L. , Morrow Robert , Henry Clarke J.
Published: August 2005

Dentitions of 208 prehistoric skeletal specimens from five geographic regions of Oregon were studied to describe their dental status. Comparisons were made of the incidence of specific pathologies among regions and between jaws. Maxillary premortem tooth losses were significantly higher than mandibular tooth loss. A relatively high caries incidence occurs in samples from the Willamette Valley and Klamath Basin where plant foods were used aboriginally to a significant extent. A high frequency of abscesses was recorded in the Klamath Basin and the Lower Columbia River sample, which also showed the highest levels of attrition. Each of the five subsamples shows patterns of dental pathology consistent with former use of natural resources.
Grip strength, muscle fatigue, and body composition in nomadic Turkana pastoralists
Authors: Little Michael A. , Johnson Brooke R.
Published: August 2005

Tests of hand grip strength and hand grip muscle fatigue were conducted on Ngisonyoka Turkana pastoralists of northwest Kenya to explore some of the functional relationships between activity and body composition. The test of maximal voluntary contraction (MVC) of hand grip flexors was conducted on 151 Turkana and 38 U.S. men and women. The fatigue test was conducted on the same number of subjects who were instructed to attempt to maintain 80% of the MVC for 90 seconds. The results of these tests, combined with arm measurements of size and body composition, were used to evaluate muscle size and strength relationships and to estimate muscle fiber type distribution in the forearm. MVC values of Turkana men were low by U.S. and European standards. The low values resulted from smaller Turkana muscle areas. MVC values of Turkana women were comparable to those of U.S. and European women, reflecting comparable muscle areas. The fatigue curves of Turkana and U.S. men and women suggest that slow‐twitch aerobic muscle fibers predominate for the hand grip flexors of the Turkana pastoralists.
Miocene fossil cercopithecoids from Kenya
Authors: Benefit Brenda R. , Pickford Martin
Published: August 2005

Fossil cercopithecoid material from Ngeringerowa, Ngorora, and Nakali, dated at between 8.5 and 10.5 m.y., is described. The specimens are the only cercopithecoid remains dated between 15 and 6 m.y. from sub‐Saharan Africa. The mandible of asmall colobine from Ngeringerowa (similar in size to Colobus verus) is assigned to a new genus and species, Microcolobus tugenensis. Unlike other colobine genera, the symphysis of Microcolobus lacks an inferior transverse torus. A colobine lower M1 or 2 from Nakali is longer and narrower than molars of M. tugenensis, indicating that it may belong to a distinct taxon. A P4 from Ngorora cannot be assigned confidently to subfamily, due to its unique metaconid morphology. The relationship between the new genus and other Miocene monkeys is considered.
Analysis of repeated reported adult statures
Authors: Boldsen J. , Mascie‐Taylor C. G. N. , Madsen B.
Published: August 2005

A large sample of women reported their heights on two occass; ons with an 11‐year time lag. The differences between the two reportings did not conform to the normal distribution hypothesis of measurement errors. The correlation coefficient between the two reportings was closed to the lower range of those between measured and reported heights. Mean reported stature was found to rise with time. The difference between the height reported at the two occasions could, when neglecting the miscoded cases, be described by a Laplace distribution.
ABO blood groups in a natural population of black‐handed tamarins (Saguinus midas niger)
Authors: Schneider Horacio , Hamel Maria Lucia Harada , De Oliveira Corvelo Tereza Cristina
Published: August 2005

Eighty‐one black‐handed tamarins from the Tucurui region were tested for human type ABO blood groups by salivary inhibition tests. Eleven belonged to the A group, 45 to B, and 25 to AB. The serum samples were tested for the presence of agglutinins having specificities like those of humans. The ABO system appeared to be polymorphic, with three alleles occurring at the following frequencies: A = 0.26, B = 0.66, and O = 0.08. The observed distribution fitted the expected on the basis of Hardy‐Weinberg equilibrium.
Sibling similarity in development of covariation among physical traits in early childhood
Authors: Kobyliansky E. , Livshits G. , Otremsky I.
Published: August 2005

We studied the sibling similarity in development of covariation among body size characters (body weight (W), body length (S) and head circumference (HC) in Tel Aviv infants from birth up to 2 years of age. We investigated the effects of parental geographic origin, profession, age, current residence, and of family size. Multiple regression analysis with “dummy” procedure established that none of these variables had any significant effect on the aforementioned anthropometric traits. The matrices of phenotypic and genetic correlations, based on sibling similarity data, among age‐specific W, S, and HC (measured for 12 different ages) were subjected to principal component analysis in order to elucidate patterns over the age groups. The patterns of both analyses, phenotypic and genetic, were quite similar: one factor in each (first genetic and second phenotypic) had a high positive correlation with early, first 2–3 months of life, W, S, and HC. Three other extracted factors correlated strongly, each with late W, S, and HC, respectively. The results of additional principal component analyses of age‐specific W, S, and HC matrices separately, indicate the possibility of existence of two genetic subsystems, the first determining early postnatal stages of human ontogeny, and the second, later phases of child development.