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Three-dimensional geometric morphometric study of the Xuchang 2 cranium
1Joint International Research Laboratory of Environmental and Social Archaeology, Shandong University, Qingdao, 266237, China; Institute of Cultural Heritage, Shandong University, Qingdao, 266237, China.
Journal of Human Evolution
|March 26, 2023
Summary
The Xuchang hominin (XC 2) exhibits nuchal morphology similar to Middle Pleistocene humans and Neanderthals. However, this finding is insufficient to definitively determine the taxonomic status of XC 2 within the Homo genus.
Area of Science:
- Paleoanthropology
- Human Evolution
- Geometric Morphometrics
Background:
- Traditional assessments suggest the Xuchang hominin (XC 2) shares features with Neanderthals.
- Understanding hominin nuchal morphology is crucial for evolutionary studies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To conduct a comprehensive 3D geometric morphometric analysis of XC 2's nuchal morphology.
- To compare XC 2 with various Homo species, including Homo erectus, Middle Pleistocene humans, Neanderthals, and modern humans.
Main Methods:
- Utilized 35 cranial landmarks and surface semilandmarks for 3D geometric morphometric analysis.
- Included XC 2, Homo erectus, Middle Pleistocene humans, Neanderthals, and early/recent modern humans in the comparative study.
Main Results:
- XC 2's centroid size is larger than early/recent modern humans, comparable to Middle Pleistocene humans and Homo erectus.
- Modern humans display distinct nuchal morphology from archaic hominins, with some exceptions.
- Nuchal morphology resemblance between Middle Pleistocene humans and Neanderthals may relate to cranial and cerebellar shape.
Conclusions:
- Nuchal morphology in human groups is highly variable, influenced by factors like brain globularization and developmental plasticity.
- XC 2 shares nuchal traits with Middle Pleistocene humans and Neanderthals, but its taxonomic status remains unresolved.
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