Allometry in primates, with emphasis on scaling and the evolution of the brain.

摘要: Allometry should be defined broadly as the study of size and its consequences, not narrowly application power functions to data growth. Variation in may ontogenetic, static or phyletic. Errors omission treatment have plagued allometry primates. Standard texts often treat brain an independent measure, ignoring allometric relation with body - on this basis, gracile australopithecines been accorded mental status gorillas. Intrinsic allometries brain/body are likewise neglected: many authors cite cerebral folding evidence man's superiority, but is a mechanical correlate itself. Confusion among types scaling heads errors both historical primacy [Dubois' ontogenetic inferences from interspecific curves] current frequency. The predicted parameters brain-body plots differ greatly for intrapopulational, phyletic allometries. I then discuss basic trends bivariate at ordinal level internal organ weights, skeletal dimensions, lifespan fetal weight. In considering causes allometries, examine reason differences relationships. exponent 0.66 strongly suggests relationship surfaces, we no satisfactory explanation why so. tripartite plot consequence patterns neuronal differentiation. We do know intraspecific exponents fall between 0.2 0.4; several partial explanations offered. Multivariate techniques transcended pictorial representation transformed coordinates offer new, powerful approaches total patterns. most used 'criterion subtraction'. order assess nature purpose adaptation, must able identify isolate aspect form that depends upon within which it resides. Cranial indices limb lengths misinterpreted when apply correction size. search criterion subtraction has diligently pursued studies brain. Clearly, assessed by comparison 'standard' animal same But how shall measured, especially fossils; standard construed. criticize three methods recently used: RADINSKY'S foramen magnum criterion; Jerison's minimum convex polygons cephalization quotients; progression 'basal' insectivores' BAUCHOT, Stephan their colleagues.