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Exploring craniofacial fluctuating asymmetry in a South African sample.
Miksha Harripershad1, Leandi Liebenberg1, Alison F Ridel1
1Department of Anatomy, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa.
Journal of Anatomy
|April 23, 2025
Summary
Fluctuating asymmetry (FA) in South African skulls is more pronounced in females and black individuals, particularly in the nasal and temporal regions. Understanding craniofacial asymmetry is crucial for anthropological analyses.
Area of Science:
- Biological anthropology
- Human skeletal variation
- Forensic anthropology
Background:
- Fluctuating asymmetry (FA) is a recognized indicator of developmental stability, extensively studied globally.
- Limited research exists on craniofacial asymmetry within South African populations.
- Skeletal asymmetry's impact on anthropological analyses in this region remains under-explored.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate craniofacial asymmetry in a contemporary South African population.
- To analyze the association between FA, sex, and population affinity.
- To assess the influence of asymmetry on anthropological methods.
Main Methods:
- Utilized cranial micro-focus X-ray computed tomography (micro-XCT) scans from 115 adult individuals.
- Applied geometric morphometric methods (GMMs) to quantify asymmetrical shape variation.
- Calculated FA indices (FA8, FA17) from inter-landmark distances (ILDs) for size and shape asymmetry.
Main Results:
- Craniofacial asymmetry was significantly more apparent in females and black South Africans.
- Higher levels of FA were observed in the nasal and temporal regions.
- Shape asymmetry was more prevalent than size asymmetry in these regions.
Conclusions:
- Craniofacial asymmetry is a notable feature in the studied South African population, particularly in females and black individuals.
- FA levels vary across cranial regions, with shape asymmetry being more significant.
- Anthropologists must consider the potential impact of craniofacial asymmetry on skeletal analyses and biological profile estimations.
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