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Craniofacial Form and Temporalis Configuration in Middle Pleistocene Hominins

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Date Issued:
2007
Abstract/Description:
This study focused on the temporalis configuration in Middle Pleistocene hominins and how that configuration is correlated with various structures in the craniofacial complex. Three hypotheses were tested using univariate comparisons, regression, and scaling analyses. Results showed that Middle Pleistocene hominins have small anterior temporalis muscles relative to the size oftheir faces, contrary to expectation. This discrepancy may be explained by a decrease in the size of the temporal fossa as a consequence of postorbital constriction concurrent with encephalization. Additionally, this configuration may have implications for the biomechanics of chewing, rendering the masticatory structures of Middle Pleistocene hominins less efficient than in other hominins. Future studies in this area should analyze the size of the temporal fossa in conjunction with rates of encephalization, using cranial capacity as a measure of vault size. Such analyses, coupled with comparisons of temporalis muscle size, will better explain the relationships suggested here.
Title: Craniofacial Form and Temporalis Configuration in Middle Pleistocene Hominins.
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Name(s): Lucas, Lynn
McCarthy, Robert, Thesis advisor
Florida Atlantic University, Degree grantor
Type of Resource: text
Genre: Electronic Thesis Or Dissertation
Date Created: 2007
Date Issued: 2007
Publisher: Florida Atlantic University
Place of Publication: Boca Raton, Fla.
Physical Form: application/pdf
Extent: 109 p.
Language(s): English
Abstract/Description: This study focused on the temporalis configuration in Middle Pleistocene hominins and how that configuration is correlated with various structures in the craniofacial complex. Three hypotheses were tested using univariate comparisons, regression, and scaling analyses. Results showed that Middle Pleistocene hominins have small anterior temporalis muscles relative to the size oftheir faces, contrary to expectation. This discrepancy may be explained by a decrease in the size of the temporal fossa as a consequence of postorbital constriction concurrent with encephalization. Additionally, this configuration may have implications for the biomechanics of chewing, rendering the masticatory structures of Middle Pleistocene hominins less efficient than in other hominins. Future studies in this area should analyze the size of the temporal fossa in conjunction with rates of encephalization, using cranial capacity as a measure of vault size. Such analyses, coupled with comparisons of temporalis muscle size, will better explain the relationships suggested here.
Identifier: FA00000934 (IID)
Degree granted: Thesis (M.A.)--Florida Atlantic University, 2007.
Collection: FAU Electronic Theses and Dissertations Collection
Note(s): Dorothy F. Schmidt College of Arts and Letters
Subject(s): Human evolution--Research
Physiology, Comparative
Paleontology--Pleistocene
Pleistocene-Holocene boundary
Held by: Florida Atlantic University Libraries
Sublocation: Digital Library
Persistent Link to This Record: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00000934
Use and Reproduction: Copyright © is held by the author with permission granted to Florida Atlantic University to digitize, archive and distribute this item for non-profit research and educational purposes. Any reuse of this item in excess of fair use or other copyright exemptions requires permission of the copyright holder.
Use and Reproduction: http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/
Host Institution: FAU
Is Part of Series: Florida Atlantic University Digital Library Collections.