Evolution of mandibular arcades: a statistical study

The alveolar arcades of a large number of fossil mandibles including Australopithecus and hominids fromHomo habilis andHomo erectus up to modern man have been characterized by fourteen cartesian points each representing a tooth. From these points, dimensions and angles have been calculated. These values are correlated to the geological age of the fossils. A linear dependance of dimensions and angles on the logarithm of age has been found. These results are discussed in the framework of a continuous gradual development within genus Homo and contrasted to prehominid data. Using these mean arcades and selected angles thereon the European and the AfroasiaticHomo erectus are compared and contrasted to the Neandertalians.