A comparative study of stereolithographically modelled skulls of Petralona and Broken Hill : implications for future studies of middle Pleistocene hominid evolution

摘要: Computer generated three-dimensional stereolithographic models of middle Pleistocene skulls from Petralona and Broken Hill are described compared. The anterior cranial fossae these also compared with that another skull, Arago 21. Stereolithographic modelling reproduces not only the outer surfaces skulls, but features within substance bones, details internal braincase. and, to a somewhat lesser degree, extremely pneumatized. Previously undescribed associated pneumatization detailed, along their possible functional significance, polarity, potential for understanding hominid variation. exhibit dramatic suite cerebral is probably related extensive namely frontal lobes tilted located behind rather than over orbits, laterally flared temporal lobes, marked occipital projection, basal location cerebellum. Comparison Petralona, Hill, 21 suggests external resemblance may always correlate endocranial similarity. We believe reconstructions have helping resolve difficult questions about origins Neanderthal anatomically modern people.