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Human midfacial growth pattern differs from that of Neanderthals and chimpanzees.
Alexandra Schuh1, Philipp Gunz1, Chiara Villa2
1Department of Human Origins, Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology, Deutscher Platz 6, 04103 Leipzig, Germany.
Journal of Human Evolution
|March 25, 2025
Summary
Neanderthal midfaces were larger at birth and grew faster than modern humans, who show early growth cessation. This highlights postnatal development
Area of Science:
- Paleoanthropology
- Developmental Biology
- Comparative Anatomy
Background:
- Distinct midfacial morphologies exist between modern humans (Homo sapiens) and Neanderthals (Homo neanderthalensis).
- Understanding the ontogenetic trajectories is crucial for explaining these morphological differences.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare maxillary growth and development from birth to adulthood in Homo sapiens, Homo neanderthalensis, and chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes verus).
- To elucidate the developmental processes underlying facial differences between these hominin groups.
Main Methods:
- Utilized macroscopic geometric morphometrics to analyze overall shape and size changes.
- Employed microscopic surface histology to examine cellular activities in bone remodeling.
- Compared ontogenetic patterns across three species: Homo sapiens, Homo neanderthalensis, and Pan troglodytes verus.
Main Results:
- Modern human midfaces are smaller at birth and exhibit slower postnatal growth compared to Neanderthals.
- An early cessation of midfacial growth during adolescence is unique to Homo sapiens.
- Neanderthals display greater bone formation and faster growth rates, contributing to their larger midfaces.
Conclusions:
- Postnatal ontogeny, particularly late-stage development, significantly explains facial distinctions between Neanderthals and modern humans.
- The findings contribute to understanding the evolutionary process of human facial gracilization.
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