Temporal squama shape in fossil hominins: relationships to cranial shape and a determination of character polarity

In 1943, Weidenreich described the squamosal suture of Homo erectus as long, low, and simian in character and suggested that this morphology was dependent upon the correlation between the size of the calvarium and the face. Many researchers now consider this character to be diagnostic of H. erectus. The relationship between cranial size and shape and temporal squama morphology, however, is unclear, and several authors have called for detailed measurements of squamosal variation to be collected before any conclusions are drawn regarding the nature of the morphology observed in H. erectus. Thirteen fossil and extant taxa were examined to address two questions: 1) Are size and shape of the temporal squama correlated with cranial vault morphology? and 2) Is the H. erectus condition plesiomorphic? To answer these questions, measurements were collected and indices were calculated for squamosal suture height, length, and area in relation to metric variables describing cranial size and shape. A two‐dimensional morphometric study was also completed using High Resolution‐Polynomial Curve Fitting (HR‐PCF) to investigate correlations between curvature of the squamosal suture and curvature of the cranial vault. Results of both analyses indicate that squamosal suture form is related to cranial size and shape. Furthermore, the plesiomorphic condition of the squamosal suture for hominins was identified as high and moderately arched; this condition is retained in H. erectus and is distinct from the great ape condition. It is suggested that this similarity is the result of increased cranial length without a corresponding increase in cranial height. Am J Phys Anthropol, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.     

Le Middle Stone Age de la grotte du Porc-Épic (Dire Dawa, Éthiopie) : gestion des matières premières et comportements techniques

With the emergence of Modern Humans in Africa a new post-Acheulean culture seems to take form: the Middle Stone Age. Although the geo-chronological limits of this period remain unclear, it may however be characterised by behavioural modifications, in particular an important change in the relationship between humans and their environment. Theses changes may partially result from the diversification of stone-tool production techniques, as well as socio-economical conditions. Sites dating of this period show that flake types are more abundant and result from exploitation methods that become gradually more sophisticated from about 300ka.In this context, study of the lithic assemblage from Porc-Epic Cave in Ethiopia contributes to the knowledge about operative methods used during the Middle Stone Age. The combined production of flakes, blades, bladelets and points using various methods, a differential economy towards raw materials and the diversity of tool types produced, underline the large extent of technological variability that the Porc-Epic tool-makers were capable of. We may conclude that, in spite of certain differences concerning raw material acquisition, a chronological homogeneity exists in the production modes and their variability. This apparent homogeneity throughout the stratigraphical sequence underlines the difficulty of attributing a cultural characteristic to stone assemblages of this period.     

Middle eastern origin model forHomo sapiens (Moderns & Neanderthals), language and modern behaviour

A new model may resolve the problem of when and where did appear anatomically modern humans. According to this model, Neanderthals were probably neither our ancestor nor different species.Homo sapiens appeared probably in the Middle East, approximately 150 ka ago and differentiated to anatomically modern humans and Neanderthals because of the genetic programme. The fossils older than 150 ka are probably not Neanderthal such as Zuttiyeh and Biache-Saint-Vaast specimens. Cultural capacities of Neanderthals were probably equivalent to Moderns. Most of pre-Homo sapiens populations may be extinct without replacement byHomo sapiens. Language and modern behaviour should have arisen with our own species.     

Morphological and functional aspects of the temporal bone articular tubercle morphology inHomo erectus andHomo sapiens

The morphological variability of the temporal articular tubercle was studied inHomo erectus andHomo sapiens. Five configurations have been defined. There is a high heterogeneity amongHomo erectus. The Neandertal lineage and that leading toHomo sapiens sapiens are more homogenous, each of them exhibits a high frequency of one configuration. This study has also focused on the functional implications of this variation. A theoretical approach to two different configurations of the articular tubercle is considered in the same bony, muscular and ligamentary context. This suggests that the configuration which consists of a transverse concavity is, for the mandible depression, concomitant with a slight functional disadvantage in comparison with the cylindrical configuration. It appears that a midfacial projection allows for a compensation of this disadvantage. It is concluded that this model can be proposed for Neandertals which present a very concave articular tubercle and a typical midfacial projection.     

A hominine hip bone, KNM-ER 3228, from East Lake Turkana, Kenya

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 .     

Relationship of lower limb height to sitting height in black populations of Africa and the United States.

This article examines a recently reported generalization. Materials from more than a score of invetigations are drawn upon. These materials show there is not a substantial research base for the claim that interbreeding in the United States between black people of African ancestry and white people of European ancestry has resulted in increased lower limb height relative to sitting height.     

A human phalanx from the lower palaeolithic site of cueva victoria (murcia,Spain)

The morphological, metrical, and discriminant function analysis of a phalanx from the Lower Pleistocene site of Cueva Victoria suggests that it differs significantly from carnivores and non-human primate groups, and closely resembles theHomo group studied. The phalanx has been classified as a IInd. phalanx of the 5th. finger of the right hand.     

Une dent humaine perforée découverte en contexte Gravettien ancien à l’abri Pataud (Dordogne, France)

The existence of an Early Gravettian perforated human tooth at the abri Pataud came to light thanks to the reexamination of the osseous artefacts from the level 5. Even if the method of perforation of this tooth is analogous to the one used to pierce the animal teeth discovered in the same level, this pendant would have a particular meaning.     

On the paleopathologic findings exhibited by the late Homo erectus of Ceprano, Italy

In March 1994, during excavation work for the construction of a motorway, a fragmented calvaria was discovered in the “Campo Grande” area near Ceprano, a town in southern Latium (Central Italy) about 55 miles from Rome. After reconstruction, the remain was recognized as belonging to aHomo erectus; it has been estimated that it goes back to the lowest middle Pleistocene. The calvaria exhibits two pathologic findings. The first is a congenital malformation of the sphenoidal sinus consisting in a deep, wide recess penetrating into the left greater wing as far as the sphenotemporal suture. The lesion was examined with the help of a cast whose features were compared with those described in some early and recent cases reported in the literature. The second finding is a healed, depressed fracture of the right brow ridge. The cause and mechanism of this lesion are discussed, and a mechanical approach has been used to provide information pertinent to the specific reason for the injury. The possibility that the hominid was butted by a large animal appears to be the most likely cause of the fracture.