Savannah E. Cobb, Courtney Alexandria Tennant, Darrell La, Fernando Torres-Chiriboga, Siobhán B. Cooke
{"title":"Incisor Geometry, Relief, and Diet in Anthropoid Primates With Implications for Antillothrix","authors":"Savannah E. Cobb, Courtney Alexandria Tennant, Darrell La, Fernando Torres-Chiriboga, Siobhán B. Cooke","doi":"10.1002/ajpa.25042","DOIUrl":"10.1002/ajpa.25042","url":null,"abstract":"<div>\u0000 \u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Objectives</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Previous studies report that geometric measures of incisor size and curvature in extant anthropoid primates correspond to dietary differences. However, other methodologies of assessing incisor shape variation, such as dental topographic analysis, have not been considered.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Materials and Methods</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>This study measures Relief Index (RFI), linear dimensions, and curvature of central mandibular incisors (I<sub>1</sub>) for a sample of extant anthropoids (<i>n</i> = 107). The utility of these measures in enhancing dietary separations across Anthropoidea is further investigated using traditional and phylogenetic statistics, principal component analysis, and multinomial logistic regression.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Results</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Two-way ANOVAs find significant dietary differences and no sexual differences in I<sub>1</sub> height, width, breadth, and RFI across crown anthropoids. Phylogenetic ANOVAs also detect significant dietary differences in these measures despite the presence of high and significant phylogenetic signal in height and RFI, indicating that dietary signals are robust. Predictive models combining I<sub>1</sub> geometry and RFI outperform those using solely I<sub>1</sub> geometry. A mixed-feeding ecology is inferred for the fossil platyrrhine <i>Antillothrix.</i>\u0000 </p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Discussion</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Our findings indicate that I<sub>1</sub> RFI and linear dimensions are robust dietary proxies in anthropoid primates that may be beneficial to future ecomorphological and paleontological analyses. The presence of phylogenetic signal merits further investigation, and we recommend a nuanced approach if applying I<sub>1</sub> RFI or height as a dietary proxy for fossil primates.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 </div>","PeriodicalId":29759,"journal":{"name":"American Journal of Biological Anthropology","volume":"186 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2024-12-08","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142796205","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Rebecca A. G. Reid, Catriona Davies, Craig Cunningham
{"title":"Trabecular Bone Ontogeny of the Human Distal Tibia","authors":"Rebecca A. G. Reid, Catriona Davies, Craig Cunningham","doi":"10.1002/ajpa.25043","DOIUrl":"10.1002/ajpa.25043","url":null,"abstract":"<div>\u0000 \u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Objectives</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>There is an increasing understanding of how trabecular bone adapts to biomechanical changes during ontogeny. However, limited research exists regarding the distal tibia, which is important in weight-bearing locomotion as part of the ankle joint. This study aims to document the ontogenetic trabecular patterns of the distal tibia, in addition to changes in its structural heterogeneity.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Materials and Methods</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Thirty-eight distal tibiae, ranging in age from 28 intrauterine weeks to 8 postnatal years, from the Scheuer juvenile skeletal collection were examined. Trabecular bone was analyzed using a quantitative volume of interest approach and qualitative whole bone mapping following microcomputed tomography.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Results</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Fetal and perinatal tibia lack mature organization and are associated with high bone volume fraction. During the first year of life, there is a decrease in bone volume fraction and an indication of early re-organization of trabecular struts in the distal tibia. After one year of age, the distal tibia exhibits increased trabecular structural heterogeneity.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Discussion</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>The trabecular architecture of the fetal and perinatal distal tibia lacks mature organization and instead reflects ossification patterns. At these stages, there is a rapid accumulation of bone mass associated with gestational overproduction, hypothesized to be in preparation for subsequent postnatal changes. During the first year of life there is a decrease in volume fraction, associated with constructive regression. It is postulated this is related to changing biomechanical forces associated with the bipedal gait, in addition to growth demands. After one year of age, the distal tibia exhibits structural heterogeneity with trabecular adaption to accommodate specific bipedal stresses.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 </div>","PeriodicalId":29759,"journal":{"name":"American Journal of Biological Anthropology","volume":"186 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2024-12-08","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11775436/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142796208","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Aleš Hrdlička's Final Research Expeditions: Legacy Review of: The Aleutian and Commander Islands and Their Inhabitants. 1945. By Aleš Hrdlička. Philadelphia: Wistar Institute of Anatomy and Biology","authors":"Douglas W. Veltre","doi":"10.1002/ajpa.25046","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1002/ajpa.25046","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":29759,"journal":{"name":"American Journal of Biological Anthropology","volume":"186 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2024-12-05","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143112031","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Evolutionary Perspectives, Comparative Approaches, and the Lived Experience of Menopause.","authors":"Lynnette Leidy Sievert","doi":"10.1002/ajpa.25067","DOIUrl":"10.1002/ajpa.25067","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>The purpose of this synthesis is to review age at menopause, symptom experience at midlife, and the evolution of menopause in a way that is helpful for biological anthropologists who are interested in the study of this challenging time of life. The synthesis begins with the biology of menopause, then shifts to the evolution of menopause with an emphasis on phylogenetic and adaptationist perspectives. Discussion of the biology and evolution of menopause incorporates a cross-species perspective, with particular attention to whales and primates. The synthesis continues with a cross-population review of variation in age at menopause. The final section is about symptom experience across populations with attention to the medical context of midlife, a focus on hot flashes, and consideration of the strengths and limitations of ethnographic and questionnaire-based research. The review ends with suggestions for where biological anthropology can make important contributions to the research of midlife and menopause.</p>","PeriodicalId":29759,"journal":{"name":"American Journal of Biological Anthropology","volume":"186 Suppl 78 ","pages":"e25067"},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2024-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143606384","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Computational Genomics and Its Applications to Anthropological Questions.","authors":"Kelsey E Witt, Fernando A Villanea","doi":"10.1002/ajpa.70010","DOIUrl":"10.1002/ajpa.70010","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>The advent of affordable genome sequencing and the development of new computational tools have established a new era of genomic knowledge. Sequenced human genomes number in the tens of thousands, including thousands of ancient human genomes. The abundance of data has been met with new analysis tools that can be used to understand populations' demographic and evolutionary histories. Thus, a variety of computational methods now exist that can be leveraged to answer anthropological questions. This includes novel likelihood and Bayesian methods, machine learning techniques, and a vast array of population simulators. These computational tools provide powerful insights gained from genomic datasets, although they are generally inaccessible to those with less computational experience. Here, we outline the theoretical workings behind computational genomics methods, limitations and other considerations when applying these computational methods, and examples of how computational methods have already been applied to anthropological questions. We hope this review will empower other anthropologists to utilize these powerful tools in their own research.</p>","PeriodicalId":29759,"journal":{"name":"American Journal of Biological Anthropology","volume":"186 Suppl 78 ","pages":"e70010"},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2024-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11898561/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143606427","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Human Decomposition and Time Since Death: Persistent Challenges and Future Directions of Postmortem Interval Estimation in Forensic Anthropology.","authors":"Katherine E Weisensee, Madeline M Atwell","doi":"10.1002/ajpa.70011","DOIUrl":"10.1002/ajpa.70011","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Estimating the time since death, or the postmortem interval (PMI), is a significant component of forensic anthropological analysis when human remains are discovered. Despite decades of research, methods for providing an estimate of the PMI with known error rates are still absent from applied medicolegal forensic work, which prompts the necessity for a critical examination of the state of the field. This review details the history of how forensic anthropology emerged from the broader discipline of biological anthropology, with a specific focus on how forensic anthropologists came to be understood as suitable experts for estimating the PMI. We describe existing PMI estimation methods and enduring barriers in advancing our knowledge. We provide an overview of the formative PMI research, then focus on a systematic review of 30 years (1993-2023) of human decomposition literature. Results of our synthesis demonstrate the two prevailing ways to estimate the PMI involve (1) the use of quantitative biomarkers and (2) macromorphoscopic observations. Results also highlight that PMI research continues to be limited by small, highly variable samples and a lack of standardized definitions of decomposition, which impedes replicability and the advancement of methods for PMI estimation. Forensic anthropologists can address these longstanding issues by ensuring the principles of Open Science are adhered to during the research and dissemination process including data sharing and transparency. Intentional research design that integrates comprehensive geospatial data and improved modeling techniques can contribute to devising methods capable of providing PMI estimates within applied medicolegal and humanitarian contexts.</p>","PeriodicalId":29759,"journal":{"name":"American Journal of Biological Anthropology","volume":"186 Suppl 78 ","pages":"e70011"},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2024-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11898555/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143606516","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Amber Wutich, Robin Nelson, L Zachary DuBois, Claudia M Astorino, Kelly Knudson, Austin W Reynolds, Erin P Riley, Rick W A Smith, Caroline VanSickle, Stephanie Russo Carroll, Ca'la K Connors, Jelena Jankovic-Rankovic, Charlayne Mitchell, Anaís Delilah Roque, Krystal Sara Tsosie
{"title":"\"Rigorous and Systematic Qualitative Data Analysis in Biological Anthropology\".","authors":"Amber Wutich, Robin Nelson, L Zachary DuBois, Claudia M Astorino, Kelly Knudson, Austin W Reynolds, Erin P Riley, Rick W A Smith, Caroline VanSickle, Stephanie Russo Carroll, Ca'la K Connors, Jelena Jankovic-Rankovic, Charlayne Mitchell, Anaís Delilah Roque, Krystal Sara Tsosie","doi":"10.1002/ajpa.70008","DOIUrl":"10.1002/ajpa.70008","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Biological anthropologists have long engaged in qualitative data analysis (QDA), though such work is not always foregrounded. In this article, we discuss the role of rigorous and systematic QDA in biological anthropology and consider how it can be understood and advanced. We first establish what kinds of qualitative data and analysis are used in biological anthropology. We then review the ways QDA has been used in six subfields of biological anthropology: primatology, human biology, paleoanthropology, dental and skeletal biology, bioarchaeology, and anthropological genetics. We follow that with an overview of how to use QDA methods: three simple QDA methods (i.e., word-based analysis, theme analysis, and coding) and three QDA approaches for model-building and model-testing (i.e., content analysis, semantic network analysis, and grounded theory). With this foundation in place, we discuss how QDA can support transformative research in biological anthropology-emphasizing the valuable role of QDA in inductive and community-based research. We discuss how QDA supports transformative research using mixed-methods research designs, participatory action research, and abolition and Black feminist research. Finally, we consider how to close a QDA project, reflecting on the logistics, ethics, and limitations of qualitative data sharing, including how researchers can use the CARE Principles (Collective Benefit, Authority to Control, Responsibility, and Ethics) to support Indigenous data sovereignty.</p>","PeriodicalId":29759,"journal":{"name":"American Journal of Biological Anthropology","volume":"186 Suppl 78 ","pages":"e70008"},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2024-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143606370","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Primate Behavior and the Importance of Comparative Studies in Biological Anthropology.","authors":"Aaron A Sandel, Jeremiah E Scott, Jason M Kamilar","doi":"10.1002/ajpa.70009","DOIUrl":"10.1002/ajpa.70009","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Biological anthropology seeks to understand humans from an evolutionary perspective. Namely, what makes humans different from other animals, and how did we get this way? Many relevant traits are physical, but many others are behavioral. For example, when and why did our species develop complex cognition, enduring bonds, and intense cooperation? Given the importance of behavior, biological anthropologists have a long history of turning to our primate relatives to generate hypotheses about the evolutionary processes shaping humans. Indeed, primate behavior is foundational to our field. But not all biological anthropologists appreciate the value of primate behavior for understanding human evolution. Beyond lip service in introductory paragraphs and grant proposals, many primatologists do not make explicit how their work is relevant to human evolution. In this review, we have three main goals: (1) emphasize how comparative studies of primate behavior are crucial to biological anthropology; (2) outline how primatologists and biological anthropologists can improve their work by avoiding common problems that arise when making such comparisons; and (3) provide a primer on the concepts and methods underlying comparative analyses of traits. We provide examples to highlight these points related to cognition, sociality, and diet. We conclude with several recommendations including (1) detailed, high-quality studies of behavior that allow for appropriate comparisons within and across species; (2) using primates as a \"gateway clade\" and expanding our research to any relevant taxa; and (3) careful attention to the ethical implications of making comparisons to other primates given racist tropes and a history of eugenics.</p>","PeriodicalId":29759,"journal":{"name":"American Journal of Biological Anthropology","volume":"186 Suppl 78 ","pages":"e70009"},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2024-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143606518","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Karen R. Swan, Zewdi J. Tsegai, Rachel Ives, Louise T. Humphrey
{"title":"Restructuring of Femoral Cortical Bone During Growth and Locomotor Development of Wild Chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes verus)","authors":"Karen R. Swan, Zewdi J. Tsegai, Rachel Ives, Louise T. Humphrey","doi":"10.1002/ajpa.25045","DOIUrl":"10.1002/ajpa.25045","url":null,"abstract":"<div>\u0000 \u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Objective</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Chimpanzees are altricial in terms of their locomotor development and transition from being carried to engaging in suspensory and arboreal locomotor behaviors to eventually relying on terrestrial quadrupedalism as their main form of locomotion. Here, we consider the mechanical implications of femoral cortical bone restructuring during growth and locomotor development in wild chimpanzees.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Materials and Methods</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Cortical bone structure was examined in an ontogenetic sample of wild chimpanzees from a single subspecies (<i>P. t. verus</i>) spanning in age from 2 weeks to 12.6 years. Diaphyseal cross-sections were extracted from micro-CT scans of the femur at 35%, 50%, and 65% of total intermetaphyseal length and variation in cortical bone structure was assessed based on bending rigidity (Imax/Imin, Ix/Iy), relative medullary area, and cortical bone porosity.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Results</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Diaphyseal shape is relatively circular with a high amount of cortical bone porosity and a large relative medullary area during early infancy. Distinct shifts in cortical bone structure occurred for each studied parameter with the biggest changes occurring within the first 5 years. Values appear to stabilize as quadrupedal walking increases in frequency and is established as the main form of locomotion.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Discussion</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Collectively, the results suggest a degree of integration in which cortical bone restructures in response to rapid changes in locomotion in addition to nonmechanical influences such as hormonal, and growth factors, without compromising function and structural integrity. The extent of influence of each factor varies throughout growth and highlights the need for caution in functional interpretations of cortical bone geometry.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 </div>","PeriodicalId":29759,"journal":{"name":"American Journal of Biological Anthropology","volume":"186 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2024-11-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11663440/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142772885","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}