Revisiting the question of Neandertal regional variability: a view from the Rhône valley corridor.

摘要: We compared the dental assemblage of Rhone Valley corridor (RVC) with that European Neandertals dating to MOIS 7-4 using two linear measurements and three indices. To test if RVC population was significantly different from Western Neandertals, we preformed a multi-tiered approached. First, tested for normality variables Shapiro-Wilks test. If were normal, stepwise Discriminant Function Analysis (DFA) (using Mahalanobis distances) performed normally distributed variables. DFA uses correlation metrics address weight combinations emphasizes between group variation while minimizing within variation. Results show there is no distinction other except Crown Module index upper canine. However, presence single significant result does not provide evidence local variant Neandertal population. These results are supported by archaeological analysis this region. propose high genetic control size shape may account reduced ability distinguish subpopulation groups based on dimensions in small effective such as Neandertals.