Journal of Anthropological Sciences最新文献

{"title":"Geometric morphometric data in cladistics: comparison with phylogenies inferred from morphological data.","authors":"Margaux Simon-Maciejewski,Giorgio Manzi,Valéry Zeitoun,Aurélien Mounier","doi":"10.4436/jass.10307","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4436/jass.10307","url":null,"abstract":"The development of protocols integrating 3D geometric morphometric data into cladistic analyses offers powerful tools to reassess previously established phylogenies. We examine evolutionary relationships within the genus Homo by comparing results from recently developed cladistic protocols using 3D data with an approach based on morphological characters. We applied both to 78 hominid calvaria - comprising 9 great apes, 45 Homo sapiens, and 24 fossil specimens (2 australopithecines and 22 Homo) - grouped into 23 operational taxonomic units. The sample is described using 347 landmarks and 59 discrete characters, from which three datasets were generated. The first uses Procrustes-aligned 3D landmark coordinates. The second uses principal component coordinates from a Principal Component Analysis run on the aligned landmarks. The third dataset includes coded morphological features. Phylogenetic trees were constructed using TNT software following a three-step protocol. Firstly, a phylogenetic search using the heuristic algorithm under equal weight was performed. Secondly, the consistency and rescaled consistency indices for each character were extracted. Finally, a second phylogenetic search using the heuristic algorithm after reweighting of the characters was performed. The cladistic analyses of 3D data and discrete morphological traits yield different yet mostly congruent results, highlighting the strengths and limitations of each approach, and bringing new insight on long standing discussions in palaeoanthropology.","PeriodicalId":48668,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Anthropological Sciences","volume":"1 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2025-12-22","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145808079","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"社会学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Model-based inferring of Neanderthal upper cervical spine motion.","authors":"Carlos Aurelio Palancar,Markus Bastir,Benoit Beyer","doi":"10.4436/jass.10304","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4436/jass.10304","url":null,"abstract":"The primary aim of this pilot study is not to provide definitive statements on Neanderthal kinematics, but rather to illustrate the potential of Procrustes Motion Analysis (PMA) combined with predictive modelling as a robust tool for addressing questions of functional morphology in the fossil record. We use this novel approach to model and compare the potential upper cervical spine (UCS) flexion-extension kinematics of the La Ferrassie 1 Neanderthal and modern humans. The study material comprised the 3D virtual morphology of the occipital base, atlas (C1), and axis (C2) of La Ferrassie 1 and the corresponding kinematic and morphological data from seven unembalmed modern human cadaveric specimens. We first used the PMA framework to analyze the shape-motion relationship in the modern human sample. This relationship was then used to build a predictive model. We applied this model to the UCS morphology of La Ferrassie 1-inferring its potential motion trajectory rather than measuring direct fossil kinematics-and statistically compared the results to the modern human mean. Contrary to previous hypotheses based solely on morphological inference, our model-based results challenge the assumption of reduced Neanderthal neck mobility. The inferred trajectory of flexion-extension for La Ferrassie 1 were statistically comparable to that of the modern human sample, suggesting no significant difference in this specific movement. This study demonstrates the utility of integrating empirical motion data, geometric morphometrics, and predictive modelling in paleoanthropology, offering a significant advance over traditional morphological inference. By successfully illustrating the application of PMA, this research provides a new framework for investigating hominin kinematics, while simultaneously emphasizing that the kinematics presented for the Neanderthal specimen were predicted and modelled, not directly measured.","PeriodicalId":48668,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Anthropological Sciences","volume":"44 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2025-12-05","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145704604","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"社会学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Arene Candide: an ancient modified cranium and the shape of cognition.","authors":"Fabio Di Vincenzo","doi":"10.4436/jass.10301","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4436/jass.10301","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":48668,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Anthropological Sciences","volume":"132 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2025-11-25","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145704643","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"社会学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Structural diversity, functional plasticity: the role of de-generacy in Human Evolution.","authors":"Paul Howard Mason","doi":"10.4436/jass.10302","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4436/jass.10302","url":null,"abstract":"This review article explores the concept of de-generacy as a fundamental yet underutilised principle in evolutionary anthropology. De-generacy, defined as structurally distinct elements performing overlapping functions, is widely recognised in genetics, neurobiology, and immunology but remains overlooked in cultural evolution. Distinguishing de-generacy from redundancy-where identical structures fulfill the same role-is crucial for understanding adaptability, resilience, and innovation in both biological and cultural systems. Despite its explanatory potential, de-generacy has been largely absent from anthropological discourse due to historical baggage and terminological confusion. The misuse of \"degeneracy\" in colonial and eugenic narratives has hindered its application, even as contemporary evolutionary theory-particularly the Extended Evolutionary Synthesis-highlights structural variation as a driver of adaptive complexity. Consequently, an opportunity to refine methodologies in anthropological research, particularly in modelling cultural transmission, has been overlooked. De-generacy is a distributed property of complex adaptive systems that, in many circles of science, has been hidden in plain sight, overlooked because of a reductionist bias, and ignored because the term itself is misleading. This article clarifies the distinction between de-generacy and redundancy and demonstrates its significance in biological anthropology. Empirical examples illustrate degeneracy across multiple domains, including linguistic variation, kinship terminologies, and ritual practices. A comparative case study of Indonesian Silek and Brazilian Capoeira provides a snapshot of how structurally distinct yet functionally similar cultural formations emerge across diverse contexts. These examples reinforce de-generacy as a key explanatory principle in cultural resilience and transformation. By integrating degeneracy into evolutionary anthropology, this article advances a more nuanced understanding of cultural transmission and transformation. Recognising structurally diverse yet functionally coherent practices enhances models of cultural evolution, moving beyond strictly adaptationist explanations. Ultimately, degeneracy provides a robust conceptual tool for analysing variation, complexity, and persistence in human evolutionary systems, warranting greater attention in interdisciplinary research.","PeriodicalId":48668,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Anthropological Sciences","volume":"30 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2025-11-25","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145704654","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"社会学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"New signs of skeletal trauma in the Upper Paleolithic \"Principe\" from Arene Candide Cave (Liguria, Italy) bear novel insights into the circumstances of his death.","authors":"Vitale Stefano Sparacello,Irene Dori,Nico Radi,Patrizia Garibaldi,Irene Molinari,Julien Riel-Salvatore,Claudine Gravel-Miguel,Marta Zunino,Fabio Negrino,Elisabetta Starnini","doi":"10.4436/jass.10303","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4436/jass.10303","url":null,"abstract":"Despite ample evidence that Paleolithic humans hunted large and dangerous carnivores, such as lions, leopards, and bears, skeletal evidence of negative interactions with wild fauna is extremely rare in the Homo sapiens paleobiological record. To date, the only individual for whom an animal attack has been hypothesized based on their pattern of traumatic lesions is the Gravettian adolescent buried at Arene Candide Cave in Liguria (northwestern Italy; 27,900-27,300 cal BP) nicknamed \"Il Principe\" (The Prince) due to the rich grave goods placed in the burial. Since its excavation in 1942, it was noted that this individual was missing part of the mandible and half of the left clavicle, leading to the hypothesis of an attack by a large animal, likely a bear. However, this claim was never fully investigated. We reanalyzed these lesions and systematically examined the skeleton for additional evidence to reconstruct the manner and circumstances of death. Our analysis confirmed the perimortem nature of the mandibular and shoulder lesions and identified other possible fractures related to the violent event in the cranium, dentition, and possibly the cervical spine. Additional perimortem trauma, including a linear marking on the left parietal and a puncture mark in the fibula, supports the hypothesis of animal mauling. Given the overall traumatic pattern, a bear attack - Ursus arctos or Ursus spelaeus - remains the most plausible explanation. The study also revealed that the Principe had sustained traumatic injuries to his feet - a fracture of the left little toe and osteochondritis dissecans in the right talus - which support the hypothesis that prehistoric foragers experienced limited survival following lower limb injuries. Despite the thoraco-facial trauma and disfiguring wounds, the microscopic analysis suggests that the Principe survived for a few days. The violent event and the long agony may have been reflected in the elaborate burial, following the presumed Gravettian use of formally burying exceptional individuals and exceptional events.","PeriodicalId":48668,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Anthropological Sciences","volume":"30 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2025-11-25","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145704605","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"社会学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Reconstructing micro-evolutionary dynamics shaping local variation in southern African populations using genomics, metagenomics and personal metadata.","authors":"Gonzalo Oteo-García, Giacomo Mutti, Matteo Caldon, Ockie Oosthuitzen, Matteo ManfrediniK, Cristian Capelli","doi":"10.4436/JASS.10204","DOIUrl":"10.4436/JASS.10204","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Geography is a well-known factor shaping genetic variation in human populations. However, the potential role played by cultural variables remains much understudied. This study investigates the impact of socio-cultural variables on genomic similarity and the saliva microbiome, using data from populations in Lesotho and Namibia. Geographic distance within Lesotho increases genetic differentiation, while shared clan affiliation surprisingly increases it. In Namibia, ethnicity is the predominant factor influencing genetic affinity. Saliva metagenomic data shows a negative correlation between age and alpha diversity, with notable differences in host-interacting taxa and viral load. These findings highlight the role of geography in shaping genetic affinity even at small scales and the complex influences of cultural factors. The saliva microbiome appears primarily affected by unrecorded individual behaviors rather than geographic or cultural variables. At population-level these oral microbiomes reveal insights into some dietary habits, oral health, and also the communal viral load, which appears to have greater incidence in Lesotho possibly related to the long-term effects of the HIV epidemic in the country.</p>","PeriodicalId":48668,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Anthropological Sciences","volume":"102 ","pages":"123-143"},"PeriodicalIF":1.6,"publicationDate":"2024-12-26","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142839792","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"社会学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Genetic variability of Roma population in Serbia: The perspective from autosomal STR markers.","authors":"Vanja Tanasic, Marija Vukovic, Milica Mihajlovic Srejic, Miljana Kecmanovic, Milica Keckarevic Markovic, Dusan Keckarevic","doi":"10.4436/JASS.10202","DOIUrl":"10.4436/JASS.10202","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Genetic variability of Roma population was shaped by the strong influence of genetic drift and gene flow during the migrations from their ancestral homeland in Indian subcontinent towards Europe. In addition, social stigmatization in many European countries, as a consequence of different cultural heritage and social practices, induced further genetic differentiation and sub structuring within the population. Although many populations genetic studies on European Roma were carried out, the genetic structure of the Serbian Roma has not been described yet, since only the modest number of individuals from this territory was analyzed. The main aim of this study was the characterization of genetic variability of the Roma and the assessment of intrapopulation genetic differentiation based on the analysis of 21 autosomal STR loci of 259 self-identified unrelated individuals from Serbia. Intrapopulation analysis revealed divergence of Roma groups illustrating the effect of the historical events after their arrival on Balkan Peninsula and emphasizing significance of the religious affiliation on admixture with autochthonous population. Genetic distance analysis showed the greatest similarity of the studied population with the Middle Eastern populations, while South Asian and European population were more distant. Our results demonstrate that Roma groups in this region of Balkan Peninsula do not represent completely isolated, but rather admixed populations with different proportion of gene flow with other Roma and non-Roma groups.</p>","PeriodicalId":48668,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Anthropological Sciences","volume":"102 ","pages":"105-121"},"PeriodicalIF":1.6,"publicationDate":"2024-12-26","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141617391","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"社会学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"The importance of hidden stories.","authors":"Giovanni Destro Bisol, Erica Autelli, Marco Capocasa, Marco Caria","doi":"10.4436/JASS.10205","DOIUrl":"10.4436/JASS.10205","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":48668,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Anthropological Sciences","volume":"102 ","pages":"3-5"},"PeriodicalIF":1.6,"publicationDate":"2024-12-26","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142839937","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"社会学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Histomorphometry specific to anthropological studies concerning the human condition.","authors":"Robert Rolfe Paine, Angela Sofia Paine","doi":"10.4436/JASS.10203","DOIUrl":"10.4436/JASS.10203","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Bone histomorphometry refers to the study of the structure and microscopic features of bone tissue. It involves the measurement and assessment of bone microanatomy, and it provides valuable information on bone properties. Through the application of histomorphometry, researchers can acquire information on bone metabolism and on remodeling dynamics, which is useful to the study of bone health. During the last 50 years, biological anthropologists have adopted the use of histomorphometry while examining issues specific to human health and evolutionary trends from prehistoric remains. Scientists coming from the medical field have applied histomorphometry in their research as it allows the study of bone changes, useful to describe pathological conditions among these ancient human remains. This paper reflects on some of the research that involves histomorphometric analysis specific to diet and health, forensic anthropology, taphonomic assessment of bone, non-human primate research and biomechanics. The purpose of the paper is to consider past and future applications of bone histomorphometry to enable a discussion which might direct research towards under-explored areas of bone biology. For example, looking at renewed interest in clavicular histology and stimulating investigations that focus on osteocyte density. Additionally, a discussion is offered concerning OPD values used to correlate chronological age to biological age estimations.</p>","PeriodicalId":48668,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Anthropological Sciences","volume":"102 ","pages":"69-85"},"PeriodicalIF":1.6,"publicationDate":"2024-12-26","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141617392","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"社会学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Maternal genetic heterogeneity of the Lue people in Thailand due to multiple resettlements and population dynamics.","authors":"Rattanasak Wongkomonched, Tanapon Seetaraso, Suwapat Sathupak, Punyaporn Muktier, Jetniphat Suvanpakprak, Jatupol Kampuansai","doi":"10.4436/JASS.10207","DOIUrl":"10.4436/JASS.10207","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>The Lue ethnic group, which speaks a language that is part of the broader Tai-Kadai linguistic family, extends from Southern China to upper Southeast Asia. Their migration to Northern Thailand exemplifies how migration patterns influence genetic diversity in populations of Thailand. To delve deeper into their genetic history, we generated 144 mitochondrial HVR-1 sequences from three Lue populations and combined them with data obtained from related ethnic groups. These totaled 1,100 sequences gathered across 27 populations including the Lue, Yong, Yuan, and Dai. Analysis has revealed a low degree of haplotype diversity and a small effective population size, which indicate that founder effects impacted the maternal genetic structure of Lue communities. The complex migration history and multiple resettlements of Lue settlers have contributed to significant genetic heterogeneity among those living in Thailand. A notable finding was the identification of a genetic connection among Lue, as well as their close relative Yong populations in Thailand, and the Dai people in Dehong, China, which suggests a shared maternal ancestry or assimilation between these groups.</p>","PeriodicalId":48668,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Anthropological Sciences","volume":"102 ","pages":"145-158"},"PeriodicalIF":1.6,"publicationDate":"2024-12-26","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142873080","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"社会学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}