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Unique ramus anatomy for Neandertals?

Milford H Wolpoff1, David W Frayer

  • 1Paleoanthropology Laboratory, Department of Anthropology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109.

American Journal of Physical Anthropology
|April 9, 2005
PubMed
Summary

Neandertal evolution is not as distinct as previously thought. Supposed unique Neandertal traits in mandibular anatomy are found in earlier and later human populations, showing broader human variation.

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Area of Science:

  • Paleoanthropology
  • Human Evolution
  • Skeletal Biology

Background:

  • Previous research suggested unique anatomical features (autapomorphies) in Neandertal mandibles indicate a separate evolutionary path.
  • Defining Neandertal autapomorphies has been a recurring theme in paleoanthropology.

Observation:

  • This study analyzed four specific ramal features in Neandertal mandibles.
  • Variation within the Neandertal sample was compared to other contemporary and recent human populations.

Findings:

  • The analyzed ramal features were not consistently present (monomorphic) within Neandertals.
  • These features were also observed in human populations predating and postdating Neandertals.
  • Neandertals exhibited significant variation, comparable to or exceeding modern human variation in these traits.

Implications:

  • The findings challenge the concept of Neandertals evolving along a uniquely divergent trajectory based on these mandibular features.
  • The study suggests that the range of human variation in the past may have encompassed or exceeded present-day variation.
  • Re-evaluation of Neandertal distinctiveness requires analysis of broader patterns of variation across multiple traits and populations.

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