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Cross-sectional geometric properties of the Otavipithecus mandible
1Department of Anthropology, Washington University, St. Louis, Missouri 63130, USA.
American Journal of Physical Anthropology
|April 1, 1996
Summary
Otavipithecus namibiensis, an early hominoid, uniquely adapted its mandible to resist mechanical stresses. Its jawbone structure differs from modern apes and other early hominids, showing efficient load resistance.
Area of Science:
- Paleoanthropology
- Primate Anatomy
- Biomechanics
Background:
- The fossil record of middle Miocene hominoids provides crucial insights into early human evolution.
- Understanding mandibular morphology in extinct primates is key to reconstructing feeding behaviors and phylogenetic relationships.