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Three-dimensional digital imaging of the partial Australopithecus africanus endocranium MLD 37/38
Simon Neubauer1, Philipp Gunz, Philipp Mitteroecker
1Institute for Anthropology, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria.
Summary
Virtual reconstruction of the Australopithecus africanus cranium MLD 37/38 reveals an estimated endocranial capacity of 440 cm3. This ancient hominin braincase shows meningeal vessel patterns similar to modern humans, lacking an enlarged occipital-marginal sinus.
Area of Science:
- Paleoanthropology
- Paleoneurology
- Virtual Anthropology
Background:
- MLD 37/38 is a partial Australopithecus africanus cranium, approximately 2.5 million years old.
- The specimen is filled with stone matrix, obscuring internal cranial details and requiring advanced imaging techniques.
Observation:
- Computed tomography (CT) scans were used to create virtual 3D reconstructions of the ectocranium and endocranium.
- Missing endocranial portions were reconstructed using thin-plate spline warping based on a complete A. africanus cranium (STS 5).
- A detailed analysis of meningeal vessel systems was performed on the virtual endocasts.
Findings:
- The original endocranial capacity of MLD 37/38 was 382 cm3, with the reconstruction estimating 440 cm3, falling within the known range for A. africanus.
- Signs of the meningeal vessel system, including transverse and sigmoid venous sinuses, were detected.
- The patterning of meningeal arterial branches shows similarities to modern humans.
Implications:
- The reconstructed endocranial capacity aligns with other Australopithecus africanus specimens.
- The detailed endocranial morphology provides new insights into the brain evolution of early hominins.
- The absence of an enlarged occipital-marginal sinus in MLD 37/38 is consistent with the typical A. africanus morphology.