Understanding the Origin of Superficial Bone Changes in Qafzeh 9 Skull (Middle Paleolithic, Southwestern Asia): Contribution of Three-Dimensional Imaging

Objectives

Deciphering the origins of bone alterations is crucial in paleoanthropology for understanding biological variation and distinguishing between taphonomy, normal anatomy, growth-related changes, and pathological conditions.

Materials and Methods

Qafzeh 9, an early anatomically modern human from Lower Galilee, exhibits three alterations on its frontal bone: a circular lacuna, two parallel grooves, and a flattening near the superior temporal line. Micro-CT images and 3D reconstructions complement macroscopic observations to determine the etiologies of these features.

Results

Our analysis reveals that one of them, the flattening near the superior temporal line, is associated with changes in the diploë.

Discussion

Data from four recent modern human samples show that this feature is present in all non-adult individuals and suggests that the flattening and thinning of the diploë may be related to growth patterns and dental changes. Our results bring new insights for the development of methodologies for age estimation based on frontal bone. This study also enhances our understanding of intra-site variability at Qafzeh and provides a better understanding of the biological diversity and growth patterns among early anatomically modern humans.