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[Heritability of human skeletal morphology]
1Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, University of the Ryukyus, Okinawa, Japan.
Kaibogaku Zasshi. Journal of Anatomy
|May 29, 2000
Summary
Human skeleton shape is influenced by genetics and environment. Genetic factors contribute significantly to skeletal traits, while social rank and living conditions impact bone shape through mechanical stress and lifestyle.
Area of Science:
- Anthropology
- Human Osteology
- Genetics
Background:
- Human skeletal morphology is shaped by a complex interplay of genetic inheritance and environmental influences.
- Understanding the relative contributions of these factors is crucial for interpreting skeletal variation across populations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relative contributions of genetic and environmental factors to osteometric traits.
- To analyze family resemblances and heritability of skeletal measurements.
- To identify environmental influences on skeletal morphology related to social rank and historical period.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of skeletal measurements from six series: four pedigrees (including Japanese aristocrats) and two control groups (Edo period and recent Japanese).
- Calculation of Q-mode correlation coefficients and standardized Euclidean distances to assess family resemblance.
- Estimation of heritability (h2) using Falconer and Sjøvold methods.
- Canonical discriminant analysis to identify environmental factors influencing skeletal shape.
Main Results:
- Significant family resemblances detected in neuro-cranium, humerus, femur, and tibia.
- High heritability estimates observed for skull measurements and epiphyseal regions of extremity bones.
- Environmental factors, social rank, and historical period identified as significant influences.
- Social rank correlated with mechanical stress (facial cranium, forearm, leg); historical period linked to living conditions (nutrition, medical care), particularly affecting lower extremities.
Conclusions:
- Both genetic and environmental factors play substantial roles in determining human skeletal shape.
- Genetic heritability is high for cranial and certain limb bone measurements.
- Environmental factors, specifically social rank and living conditions, demonstrably influence skeletal morphology through mechanical loading and lifestyle.