3D Morphometric Study of the Mandibular Fossa and Its Implication for Species Recognition in Homo erectus

摘要: The problem of species recognition in paleoanthropology has been the subject numerous studies. In current study, we have used complex topography mandibular fossa to assess its potential as a species-specific indicator. Six landmarks were registered using microscribe 3Dx digitizer on four extant species: Pan paniscus, troglodytes, Gorilla gorilla, and two ethnical groups modern humans. Using principal component analysis (PC), results statistically separated between within Homo groups. same method was applied sample 13 casts Pleistocene hominids from Asia, Europe Africa. first PC Asian erectus African heidelbergensis. second Interestingly floresiensis with Adding recent human showed them fall group. Cluster superimposed fossil data had turned results. These favor view that is actually made at least distinct species. not form pathologic sapiens, sapiens descendent solely early African-like