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Systematic Assessment of Mammalian Skull Specimens for Dental and Temporomandibular Joint Pathology
Published on: August 22, 2022
Cranial change in Americans: 1850-1975
1Department of Anthropology, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, USA.
Journal of Forensic Sciences
|July 14, 2001
Summary
Craniofacial morphology in American blacks and whites has significantly changed over 125 years, with higher cranial vaults and narrower faces observed. These evolutionary changes in human skull development are linked to environmental factors and genetics.
Area of Science:
- Anthropology
- Human Evolution
- Forensic Anthropology
Background:
- Craniofacial morphology exhibits temporal changes.
- Understanding these changes is crucial for anthropology and forensic science.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze craniofacial changes in American blacks and whites from 1850 to 1975.
- To quantify the pattern and magnitude of these morphological shifts.
Main Methods:
- Utilized standard metric data from 885 crania.
- Employed canonical correlation to link cranial measurements with birth year.
- Data sourced from anatomical collections and forensic anthropology databases.
Main Results:
- Cranial morphology showed a strong dependence on birth year (canonical correlations 0.55–0.71).
- Cranial vaults increased in height, faces became narrower.
- Observed changes include a decrease in cranial width and facial breadth.
Conclusions:
- Significant craniofacial alterations occurred over 125 years.
- Changes are attributed to improved environmental conditions affecting cranial base growth.
- Both phenotypic plasticity and genetic shifts likely contributed to observed human skull evolution.
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