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Updated: Jul 25, 2026

Dissection, MicroCT Scanning and Morphometric Analyses of the Baculum
Published on: March 19, 2017
Comparing frontal cranial profiles in archaic and modern homo by morphometric analysis
Internal frontal bone shape remained stable in humans over 500,000 years, despite external changes. This suggests independent evolution of internal and external skull features, indicating stable anterior brain morphology.
Area of Science:
- Paleoanthropology
- Human Evolution
- Comparative Anatomy
Background:
- External frontal bone morphology differs significantly between archaic (Neanderthals, mid-Pleistocene humans) and modern humans.
- Internal frontal bone structure is less understood, particularly in fossil hominins.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare internal and external frontal bone profiles of archaic and modern humans.
- To investigate evolutionary changes in frontal bone morphology over time.
Main Methods:
- Computed Tomography (CT) scans of 5 archaic and 16 modern human crania.
- Procrustes analysis of semi-landmarks to statistically compare bone profiles.
Main Results:
- Substantial external differences were observed, primarily around the brow ridge.
- The internal median-sagittal profile of the frontal bone showed remarkable shape stability across all specimens.
- Inner and outer frontal bone shapes appear to be determined by independent factors.
Conclusions:
- The inner frontal bone morphology has remained stable for over half a million years.
- This stability contrasts with significant external evolutionary changes in the hominid clade.
- Suggests consistent anterior brain morphology during the emergence of modern human cognitive abilities.
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