Bioclimatic and masticatory influences on human cranial diversity verified by analysis of 3D morphometric homologous models.

ABSTRACT: This study analyzes the effects of bioclimate and masticatory factors on the regional variability of human cranial forms across 150 ethnic groups worldwide. Morphometric variables were generated using principal component analysis applied to 3D homologous models. Relationships between cranial form and bioclimate (temperature and precipitation) and masticatory factors (infratemporal space) were tested considering sampling bias due to past population movements during the late Pleistocene and/or early- to mid-Holocene. Cranial size correlated with thermal conditions, consistent with Bergmann's rule. The length/breadth proportion of the neurocranium aligned with Allen's rule for thermal adaptation, while no relationship with masticatory stress was found. Facial form responded to either climate

SUBMITTER: Matsumura H 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11535542 | biostudies-literature | 2024 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature