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Climate and the evolution of brachycephalization.

K L Beals, C L Smith, S M Dodd

    American Journal of Physical Anthropology
    |December 1, 1983
    PubMed
    Summary

    Cranial shape variations across 82 ethnic groups are linked to climate, particularly cold adaptation during the Pleistocene. Evidence suggests Neandertals adapted to cold, with cranial indices changing over time and with climate shifts.

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    Area of Science:

    • Paleoanthropology
    • Human Evolution
    • Bioclimatology

    Background:

    • Human cranial shape exhibits significant variation across diverse ethnic groups.
    • Pleistocene climate shifts, particularly cold periods, are hypothesized to have influenced human adaptation.
    • Understanding these adaptations is crucial for reconstructing human evolutionary history.

    Purpose of the Study:

    • To investigate associations between cranial shape variation and climatic variables across 82 ethnic groups.
    • To explore the role of cold adaptation in shaping cranial morphology throughout the Pleistocene.
    • To analyze temporal trends in cranial indices and their relationship to climate.

    Main Methods:

    • Statistical analysis of cranial shape data from 82 ethnic groups.
    • Correlation of cranial indices with seven climate variables.
    • Examination of temporal distribution of fossil specimens (n=115) to identify trends.
    • Comparison of cranial indices across different taxonomic models and climatic ecotypes.

    Main Results:

    • Significant associations were found between cranial shape and climate variables.
    • Evidence supports cold adaptation in "Classic" Neandertals.
    • A geometric trend in temporal distribution of specimens was identified (CI = 76.7-1.96 log time X 10(3)).
    • Cranial indices decreased from the Middle to Upper Paleolithic and increased during the Holocene across all climates.

    Conclusions:

    • Cranial shape variation is significantly influenced by climatic factors, with cold adaptation playing a key role.
    • The study provides support for evolutionary hypotheses regarding Neandertal adaptation to cold environments.
    • Cranial indices demonstrate distinct evolutionary trajectories in response to paleoclimatic changes throughout the Paleolithic and Holocene epochs.

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