Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 9, 2026
Dissection, MicroCT Scanning and Morphometric Analyses of the Baculum
Published on: March 19, 2017
Quantitative three-dimensional shape analysis of the proximal hallucial metatarsal articular surface in Homo, Pan,
Daniel J Proctor1, Douglas Broadfield, Kristopher Proctor
1Department of Anthropology, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA.
Abstract:
Multidimensional morphometrics is used to compare the proximal articular surface of the first metatarsal between Homo, Pan, Gorilla, Hylobates, and the hominin fossils A.L. 333-54 (A. afarensis), SKX 5017 (P. robustus), and OH 8 (H. habilis). Statistically significant differences in articular surface morphology exist between H. sapiens and the apes, and between ape groups. Ape groups are characterized by greater surface depth, an obliquely curved articular surface through the dorso-lateral and medio-plantar regions, and a wider medio-lateral surface relative to the dorso-plantar height. The OH 8 articular surface is indistinguishable from H. sapiens, while A.L. 333-54 and SKX 5017 more closely resemble the apes. P. robustus and A. afarensis exhibit ape-like oblique curvature of the articular surface.
