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Expanding the evolutionary explanations for sex differences in the human skeleton
1Department of Sociology and Anthropology, University of Rhode Island, South Kingstown, Rhode Island, USA.
Evolutionary Anthropology
|May 3, 2020
Summary
Hormones like estrogen influence skeletal growth similarly in both sexes, affecting adult height and mass. Estrogen and relaxin also cause female pelvic expansion, impacting evolutionary explanations for sexual dimorphism.
Area of Science:
- Human Anatomy and Physiology
- Evolutionary Biology
- Reproductive Endocrinology
Background:
- Skeletal growth and sexual dimorphism are influenced by hormonal factors.
- Reproductive anatomy and physiology exhibit sex-specific differences.
- Estrogen plays a crucial role in bone development and fusion.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of hormones, particularly estrogen, in skeletal growth across sexes.
- To examine the hormonal basis for sex differences in adult height, mass, and pelvic morphology.
- To re-evaluate evolutionary explanations of sexual dimorphism in humans.
Main Methods:
- Comparative analysis of hormonal effects on bone fusion and skeletal development.
- Review of physiological data on estrogen and relaxin in reproductive tissues.
- Examination of anatomical differences in pelvic structure related to reproductive functions.
Main Results:
- Estrogen affects skeletal growth and bone fusion similarly in both males and females.
- Differences in estrogen levels contribute to sex disparities in adult height and mass.
- Estrogen and relaxin mediate female pelvic expansion, influencing reproductive anatomy.
Conclusions:
- Hormonal mechanisms underlying skeletal growth are conserved across sexes, despite reproductive differences.
- Evolutionary theories of sexual dimorphism must integrate the adaptive biology of skeletal growth and reproductive physiology.
- A nuanced understanding of hormonal influences is essential for accurate evolutionary science and to counter misconceptions.
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