Variation and evolution of the human skull Flashcards
Why do we look at skull variation
To study MH dispersal and history of human populations, to study dentition, and to study evolution with a context of primates
Name the 4 types of skull joints and give an example
Cranial sutures - sagittal suture, Synchondrosis (Bound by cartilage) - Squamous part, Gomphosis (Teeth) - To keep the tooth in the socket, Synovial joints - Foramen magnum neck to skull joint
What is the cranium
The whole skull
What is the Calvaria
Top of the brain box
What is the Calotte
Hat of the skull, this would fuse to the calvaria
What is the Neurocranium, Chondrocranium and Viscerocranium
Top, Base and Face
How many bones in a baby and adult skull?
45 and 29 - Can use these to estimate child age
What is a holotype
A single type specimen upon which the description and name of a new species is based.
What is a Paratype
These are fossils from other species that fill out the rest of the skeleton when needed
Do fossils support the Out of Africa Theory
Yes fossil evidence seems to disperse out from Africa
What is a Species
A group of animals which breed, are related and are morphology similar
What are the two variation methods we use in skull morphology
Metrical variation and Non metrical variation
What is Metrical variation
The use of simple landmarks on the skull which we can use to take measurements - these need to be the same points across specimens, can only do M/M and F/F and only use adult skulls
What is Non Metrical variation
This is looking at skull features
What are the 3 categories used for non metrical variation
- Vessels/Nerves E.g. Foramina
- Hypostatic (Less bone or retaining infant condition) E.g. Metopism
- Hyperostotic (More bone but not pathological) E.g. Supra-orbital notch
