Stigma is a term that all biological anthropologists know in passing but likely have not (yet) considered as particularly relevant to their research. The capacity of stigma to control and oppress-with profound biological consequences-cannot be underemphasized. It can completely eliminate an individual's ability to function within society through terrible consequences up to and including "social death," and can be deployed to systematically and effectively marginalize, disenfranchise, and otherwise harm entire groups to the benefit of others. These processes are often insidious and hence highly effective, meaning both identifying and acting against them are very difficult. The goal of this review is to explain why a sophisticated understanding of stigma processes is useful for biological anthropologists. To summarize the argument: stigma is a set of complex processes operating within all human societies. The study of these processes helps us understand and apply wider knowledge about what is both a fundamental cause and consequence of human health and biocultural variation. It also provides analytic frameworks to better understand and interrogate the roles of norms and power in human biology. And with the intentions of using biological anthropology to create a healthier and more equitable world, theorizing, operationalizing, and applying stigma constructs provide a means to reach toward such goals.
{"title":"Stigma as a Core Construct for Biological Anthropology: What It Offers and Why It Matters.","authors":"Alexandra Brewis","doi":"10.1002/ajpa.70118","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1002/ajpa.70118","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Stigma is a term that all biological anthropologists know in passing but likely have not (yet) considered as particularly relevant to their research. The capacity of stigma to control and oppress-with profound biological consequences-cannot be underemphasized. It can completely eliminate an individual's ability to function within society through terrible consequences up to and including \"social death,\" and can be deployed to systematically and effectively marginalize, disenfranchise, and otherwise harm entire groups to the benefit of others. These processes are often insidious and hence highly effective, meaning both identifying and acting against them are very difficult. The goal of this review is to explain why a sophisticated understanding of stigma processes is useful for biological anthropologists. To summarize the argument: stigma is a set of complex processes operating within all human societies. The study of these processes helps us understand and apply wider knowledge about what is both a fundamental cause and consequence of human health and biocultural variation. It also provides analytic frameworks to better understand and interrogate the roles of norms and power in human biology. And with the intentions of using biological anthropology to create a healthier and more equitable world, theorizing, operationalizing, and applying stigma constructs provide a means to reach toward such goals.</p>","PeriodicalId":29759,"journal":{"name":"American Journal of Biological Anthropology","volume":"188 Suppl 80 ","pages":"e70118"},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2025-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146067537","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}
To understand ancient hominins' locomotion, our best comparison is with modern humans, and it is easiest to study humans walking in a laboratory setting. However, trackways made on tile or concrete might not be representative of those made in softer substrates like dirt or sand, suggesting that some laboratory studies might not be applicable to ancient hominins. Therefore, a number of authors have considered different substrates in their experiments and sometimes have tried to match the substrates in the laboratory with those at various ancient sites. We expand on those efforts by evaluating some aspects of human trackways that might be expected to differ in different substrates.
Materials and Methods
A group of 20 subjects walked on hard, medium, and soft substrates, and three parameters were measured: foot angle, step length, and step width. Linear, mixed-effects regression was used to evaluate the effects of substrate on these parameters.
Results
Step width (p = 0.74) and step length (p = 0.19) were not significantly affected by substrate type. However, foot angle was (p = 0.002). Even so, the effect was very small and substrate accounted for only 1% of the variation in foot angle, whereas individual variation accounted for 50%. Also, the variance of all three measured parameters increased with softer substrates.
Discussion
This work on trails of footprints complements pre-existing research on individual prints on various substrates. Results here are encouraging for those interested in laboratory research to compare modern human trackways with those of ancient hominins. Even trackways produced on hard floors are similar to those made in softer, sandy substrates and may therefore be useful in understanding our ancient relatives' locomotion. However, because variation in parameters increases as the substrate becomes softer, some differences due to substrate may be obscured by large variances.
{"title":"Human Trackway Parameters on Hard and Soft Substrates","authors":"David Webb, Laura Zacharias, Kahlan Tripp","doi":"10.1002/ajpa.70179","DOIUrl":"10.1002/ajpa.70179","url":null,"abstract":"<div>\u0000 \u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Objectives</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>To understand ancient hominins' locomotion, our best comparison is with modern humans, and it is easiest to study humans walking in a laboratory setting. However, trackways made on tile or concrete might not be representative of those made in softer substrates like dirt or sand, suggesting that some laboratory studies might not be applicable to ancient hominins. Therefore, a number of authors have considered different substrates in their experiments and sometimes have tried to match the substrates in the laboratory with those at various ancient sites. We expand on those efforts by evaluating some aspects of human trackways that might be expected to differ in different substrates.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Materials and Methods</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>A group of 20 subjects walked on hard, medium, and soft substrates, and three parameters were measured: foot angle, step length, and step width. Linear, mixed-effects regression was used to evaluate the effects of substrate on these parameters.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Results</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Step width (<i>p</i> = 0.74) and step length (<i>p</i> = 0.19) were not significantly affected by substrate type. However, foot angle was (<i>p</i> = 0.002). Even so, the effect was very small and substrate accounted for only 1% of the variation in foot angle, whereas individual variation accounted for 50%. Also, the variance of all three measured parameters increased with softer substrates.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Discussion</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>This work on trails of footprints complements pre-existing research on individual prints on various substrates. Results here are encouraging for those interested in laboratory research to compare modern human trackways with those of ancient hominins. Even trackways produced on hard floors are similar to those made in softer, sandy substrates and may therefore be useful in understanding our ancient relatives' locomotion. However, because variation in parameters increases as the substrate becomes softer, some differences due to substrate may be obscured by large variances.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 </div>","PeriodicalId":29759,"journal":{"name":"American Journal of Biological Anthropology","volume":"188 4","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2025-11-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145649516","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}
Adrianna N. Wiley, Cristina Lama, Michelle E. Cameron
Objectives
Energetic deficits through lack of access to resources and/or increased exposure to stressors are associated with the disadvantaged biocultural environments often afforded to individuals with lower socioeconomic status (SES). We use anthropometric and demographic data collected from 224 adult (aged 20–50 years) individuals whose computed tomography (CT) scans are housed in the New Mexico Decedent Image Database to explore how various limb proportions differ between childhood SES levels.
Materials and Methods
Relationships between childhood SES and body proportions, calculated from standard anthropometrics measured on CT scans, were tested using ANOVA and ANCOVA.
Results
Higher-SES individuals have larger dimensions for a given trunk length than lower-SES individuals across all measurements. The largest differences in individual segments are found in the lower limb segments (tibia and thigh); though total upper limb shows greater between-group differences than total lower limb. Foot length (autopod) differences do not reach statistical significance.
Conclusions
While individuals who face resource deficits in early childhood may undergo catch-up growth later in development, our study indicates the material disadvantage offered by lower- and middle-SES in New Mexico prevents catch-up growth from equalizing linear growth outcomes even in less plastic dimensions. Our study demonstrates the importance of limb segments as biomarkers of childhood biocultural environments. We highlight that SES is a socially defined category of resource allocation with clear biological impacts, which may be socially mitigated by policies supporting a more equitable division of resources.
{"title":"Anthropometric Measurements Amongst Contemporary Deceased Adults From New Mexico Vary in Relation to Childhood Socioeconomic Status","authors":"Adrianna N. Wiley, Cristina Lama, Michelle E. Cameron","doi":"10.1002/ajpa.70153","DOIUrl":"10.1002/ajpa.70153","url":null,"abstract":"<div>\u0000 \u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Objectives</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Energetic deficits through lack of access to resources and/or increased exposure to stressors are associated with the disadvantaged biocultural environments often afforded to individuals with lower socioeconomic status (SES). We use anthropometric and demographic data collected from 224 adult (aged 20–50 years) individuals whose computed tomography (CT) scans are housed in the New Mexico Decedent Image Database to explore how various limb proportions differ between childhood SES levels.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Materials and Methods</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Relationships between childhood SES and body proportions, calculated from standard anthropometrics measured on CT scans, were tested using ANOVA and ANCOVA.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Results</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Higher-SES individuals have larger dimensions for a given trunk length than lower-SES individuals across all measurements. The largest differences in individual segments are found in the lower limb segments (tibia and thigh); though total upper limb shows greater between-group differences than total lower limb. Foot length (autopod) differences do not reach statistical significance.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Conclusions</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>While individuals who face resource deficits in early childhood may undergo catch-up growth later in development, our study indicates the material disadvantage offered by lower- and middle-SES in New Mexico prevents catch-up growth from equalizing linear growth outcomes even in less plastic dimensions. Our study demonstrates the importance of limb segments as biomarkers of childhood biocultural environments. We highlight that SES is a socially defined category of resource allocation with clear biological impacts, which may be socially mitigated by policies supporting a more equitable division of resources.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 </div>","PeriodicalId":29759,"journal":{"name":"American Journal of Biological Anthropology","volume":"188 4","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2025-11-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12665644/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145649449","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}
Adrianna N. Wiley, Cristina Lama, Michelle E. Cameron
Objectives
Anthropometrics are a powerful tool for understanding bodily diversity. Using computed tomography (CT) scans from the New Mexico Decedent Image Database, we assess sources of methodological error that may complicate virtual anthropometric methods and quantify the comparability of anthropometric and osteometric measures.
Materials and Methods
Standard measurement protocols were adapted for virtual measurement. Intra- and interobserver measurement error, and error from changing CT scan thresholds were evaluated. Relationships between anthropometric and osteometric correlates were then evaluated using pairwise Fligner–Killeen tests on coefficients of variation (CVs). Biological codependence was explored using reduced major axis (RMA) regressions.
Results
Measurement and threshold errors were low. Breadth and circumferential measures had the largest measurement errors and were most impacted by different threshold choices. Linear measurements show no significant differences between anthropometric and osteometric definitions, while circumferential measures have significantly different CVs for the male (p = 0.02) and pooled groups (p = 0.01). Bi-iliocristal and bi-iliac breadths had significantly different CVs, except in the < 25 BMI group. RMA models reflect a positive linear relationship between paired measures that is stronger for linear (r ≥ 0.98) than circumferential (r = 0.82) measurements. Pelvic breadth shows the weakest relationship (r = 0.46).
Conclusions
Anthropometric measures can be precisely defined in a replicable manner in virtual spaces, and linear measurements taken osteologically are comparable to those taken anthropometrically. However, circumferential measures are more impacted by threshold choice and soft tissue variation than linear measurements. Anthropometrically and osteometrically defined circumferential correlates should be compared with caution. Pelvic breadth measurements may only be comparable in individuals with BMIs < 25.
{"title":"Assessing Virtual Anthropometric Measurements and Quantifying Their Relationship to Osteometric Measurements Using Computed Tomography Scans From an Online Database","authors":"Adrianna N. Wiley, Cristina Lama, Michelle E. Cameron","doi":"10.1002/ajpa.70142","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1002/ajpa.70142","url":null,"abstract":"<div>\u0000 \u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Objectives</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Anthropometrics are a powerful tool for understanding bodily diversity. Using computed tomography (CT) scans from the New Mexico Decedent Image Database, we assess sources of methodological error that may complicate virtual anthropometric methods and quantify the comparability of anthropometric and osteometric measures.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Materials and Methods</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Standard measurement protocols were adapted for virtual measurement. Intra- and interobserver measurement error, and error from changing CT scan thresholds were evaluated. Relationships between anthropometric and osteometric correlates were then evaluated using pairwise Fligner–Killeen tests on coefficients of variation (CVs). Biological codependence was explored using reduced major axis (RMA) regressions.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Results</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Measurement and threshold errors were low. Breadth and circumferential measures had the largest measurement errors and were most impacted by different threshold choices. Linear measurements show no significant differences between anthropometric and osteometric definitions, while circumferential measures have significantly different CVs for the male (<i>p</i> = 0.02) and pooled groups (<i>p</i> = 0.01). Bi-iliocristal and bi-iliac breadths had significantly different CVs, except in the < 25 BMI group. RMA models reflect a positive linear relationship between paired measures that is stronger for linear (<i>r</i> ≥ 0.98) than circumferential (<i>r</i> = 0.82) measurements. Pelvic breadth shows the weakest relationship (<i>r</i> = 0.46).</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Conclusions</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Anthropometric measures can be precisely defined in a replicable manner in virtual spaces, and linear measurements taken osteologically are comparable to those taken anthropometrically. However, circumferential measures are more impacted by threshold choice and soft tissue variation than linear measurements. Anthropometrically and osteometrically defined circumferential correlates should be compared with caution. Pelvic breadth measurements may only be comparable in individuals with BMIs < 25.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 </div>","PeriodicalId":29759,"journal":{"name":"American Journal of Biological Anthropology","volume":"188 4","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2025-11-29","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1002/ajpa.70142","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145619292","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}
Jesse M. Martin, Luca Morris-Obst, A. B. Leece, Stephanie Baker, Andy I. R. Herries, David S. Strait
Objectives
To test the hypothesis that the StW 573 (Little Foot) fossil specimen should be attributed taxonomically to Australopithecus prometheus.
Materials and Methods
We adopt the methods of classic morphology by comparing StW 573 to the type specimen of A. prometheus (MLD 1) and other consensus members of Australopithecus africanus. We utilize qualitative anatomical descriptions and comparisons, supplemented with the examination of selected relevant quantitative measurements.
Results
We find that the morphology preserved by StW 573 does not support assigning that specimen to A. prometheus because it does not share a unique suite of primitive and derived traits in common with the A. prometheus type specimen, MLD 1. Specifically, StW 573 differs from MLD 1 in having a more pronounced external occipital protuberance, a sagittal crest at lambda, an asterionic notch, a long nuchal plane, and a smaller cranial capacity. Regarding these same areas of anatomy, MLD 1 more closely resembles Sts 5, and MLD 37/38, consensus members of A. africanus.
Discussion
A. prometheus should remain a junior synonym for A. africanus based on the demonstrated morphological similarities between MLD 1 and the broader A. africanus sample. Conversely, while StW 573 cannot be attributed to A. prometheus, the results of this study indicate that it also differs in meaningful ways from specimens conventionally attributed to A. africanus.
{"title":"The StW 573 Little Foot Fossil Should Not Be Attributed to Australopithecus prometheus","authors":"Jesse M. Martin, Luca Morris-Obst, A. B. Leece, Stephanie Baker, Andy I. R. Herries, David S. Strait","doi":"10.1002/ajpa.70177","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1002/ajpa.70177","url":null,"abstract":"<div>\u0000 \u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Objectives</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>To test the hypothesis that the StW 573 (Little Foot) fossil specimen should be attributed taxonomically to <i>Australopithecus prometheus</i>.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Materials and Methods</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>We adopt the methods of classic morphology by comparing StW 573 to the type specimen of <i>A. prometheus</i> (MLD 1) and other consensus members of <i>Australopithecus africanus</i>. We utilize qualitative anatomical descriptions and comparisons, supplemented with the examination of selected relevant quantitative measurements.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Results</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>We find that the morphology preserved by StW 573 does not support assigning that specimen to <i>A. prometheus</i> because it does not share a unique suite of primitive and derived traits in common with the <i>A. prometheus</i> type specimen, MLD 1. Specifically, StW 573 differs from MLD 1 in having a more pronounced external occipital protuberance, a sagittal crest at lambda, an asterionic notch, a long nuchal plane, and a smaller cranial capacity. Regarding these same areas of anatomy, MLD 1 more closely resembles Sts 5, and MLD 37/38, consensus members of <i>A. africanus</i>.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Discussion</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p><i>A. prometheus</i> should remain a junior synonym for <i>A. africanus</i> based on the demonstrated morphological similarities between MLD 1 and the broader <i>A. africanus</i> sample. Conversely, while StW 573 cannot be attributed to <i>A. prometheus</i>, the results of this study indicate that it also differs in meaningful ways from specimens conventionally attributed to <i>A. africanus</i>.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 </div>","PeriodicalId":29759,"journal":{"name":"American Journal of Biological Anthropology","volume":"188 4","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2025-11-29","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1002/ajpa.70177","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145619293","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}
Jared Jiménez, Laura Rodríguez-García, Rebeca García-González, Mario Encinoso-Quintana, Javier G. Serrano, Sara B. Armas-Quintana, Rosa Fregel, Aaron Morquecho-Izquier, Jonathan Santana
Objectives
This study analyzes the relationship between femoral cross-sectional geometric properties (CSGP) and the topographic features of Gran Canaria (Canary Islands, Spain) in the Amazigh population. We assess individual variation and differences by region (Inland vs. Coast) and sex to infer mobility patterns.
Materials and Methods
The sample comprises 110 complete adult femora representing a minimum of 88 individuals from eight Amazigh period sites (5th–15th centuries ce) located in both inland and coastal regions. Sex estimation was conducted using a combination of paleogenomic data, mathematical methods, and morphological traits. Geospatial analyses using GIS allowed us to estimate calculated catchment area (A) and average slope (AS) for each site. CSGP were obtained via CT at 20%–80% of bone biomechanical length.
Results
Significant differences were found between inland and coastal sites in A and AS values. Regional variations in femoral geometry appeared primarily at mid-proximal diaphyseal levels, with a tend coastal showing stronger femora and greater resistance to bending and torsional forces than inland individuals. Sex-related differences were significant across most femoral levels, with males displaying larger areas and second moment of area than females.
Discussion
Femoral CSGP in the Amazigh population of Gran Canaria indicates similar mobility patterns across regions, likely shaped by the island's rugged terrain, with a slightly higher mobility pattern observed in the coastal areas. Additionally, sex-gender related differences in femoral properties suggest a higher mobility activity in males probably due to a division of labor.
{"title":"Femoral Cross-Sectional Geometry in the Amazigh Population of Gran Canaria (Canary Islands, Spain): Insights Into Mobility Patterns on an Island Landscape","authors":"Jared Jiménez, Laura Rodríguez-García, Rebeca García-González, Mario Encinoso-Quintana, Javier G. Serrano, Sara B. Armas-Quintana, Rosa Fregel, Aaron Morquecho-Izquier, Jonathan Santana","doi":"10.1002/ajpa.70172","DOIUrl":"10.1002/ajpa.70172","url":null,"abstract":"<div>\u0000 \u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Objectives</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>This study analyzes the relationship between femoral cross-sectional geometric properties (CSGP) and the topographic features of Gran Canaria (Canary Islands, Spain) in the Amazigh population. We assess individual variation and differences by region (Inland vs. Coast) and sex to infer mobility patterns.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Materials and Methods</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>The sample comprises 110 complete adult femora representing a minimum of 88 individuals from eight Amazigh period sites (5th–15th centuries <span>ce</span>) located in both inland and coastal regions. Sex estimation was conducted using a combination of paleogenomic data, mathematical methods, and morphological traits. Geospatial analyses using GIS allowed us to estimate calculated catchment area (A) and average slope (AS) for each site. CSGP were obtained via CT at 20%–80% of bone biomechanical length.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Results</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Significant differences were found between inland and coastal sites in A and AS values. Regional variations in femoral geometry appeared primarily at mid-proximal diaphyseal levels, with a tend coastal showing stronger femora and greater resistance to bending and torsional forces than inland individuals. Sex-related differences were significant across most femoral levels, with males displaying larger areas and second moment of area than females.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Discussion</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Femoral CSGP in the Amazigh population of Gran Canaria indicates similar mobility patterns across regions, likely shaped by the island's rugged terrain, with a slightly higher mobility pattern observed in the coastal areas. Additionally, sex-gender related differences in femoral properties suggest a higher mobility activity in males probably due to a division of labor.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 </div>","PeriodicalId":29759,"journal":{"name":"American Journal of Biological Anthropology","volume":"188 3","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2025-11-24","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145589128","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}
Joseph K. Won, Matthew W. Tocheri, Caley M. Orr, Biren A. Patel
Objectives
Phalangeal curvature in hominoids correlates with locomotor behavior, with greater curvature associated with arboreality. Prior research using 2D geometric morphometrics (2DGM) demonstrated this relationship in the third manual proximal phalanges (mPP3) of orangutans. Specifically, the more terrestrial Bornean orangutans (Pongo pygmaeus) have less curved mPP3s than the less terrestrial Sumatran orangutans (Pongo abelii). This study extends the analysis to the third pedal proximal phalanges (pPP3) to assess if a similar pattern exists and further evaluate the link between curvature and locomotor diversity.
Methods
We analyzed pPP3 curvature in P. abelii (n = 16) and P. pygmaeus (n = 15) using a 2DGM approach. Comparisons were made with previously published mPP3 data. Generalized Procrustes analyses and principal components analysis were performed on 100 landmarks placed along the diaphysis's central longitudinal axis to quantify shape variation. ANOVA and post hoc tests determined significance between species and autopods.
Results
PC1 accounted for 73.4% of shape variance, primarily reflecting dorsoplantar curvature. P. abelii exhibited significantly greater curvature, aligning with its more arboreal lifestyle. Additionally, curvature in pPP3s was greater than in mPP3s within species.
Conclusions
Results support the hypothesis that phalangeal curvature reflects habitual substrate use at lower taxonomic resolutions. The greater curvature in P. abelii corresponds to its predominantly arboreal locomotion, while the lesser curvature in P. pygmaeus aligns with increased terrestriality. Additionally, greater curvature in pedal versus manual phalanges may suggest differential adaptations related to substrate engagement. These findings enhance understanding of extant primate autopod functional morphology and can inform reconstructions of extinct species' positional behaviors.
{"title":"Pedal and Manual Proximal Phalangeal Curvatures Among Pongo abelii and Pongo pygmaeus","authors":"Joseph K. Won, Matthew W. Tocheri, Caley M. Orr, Biren A. Patel","doi":"10.1002/ajpa.70168","DOIUrl":"10.1002/ajpa.70168","url":null,"abstract":"<div>\u0000 \u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Objectives</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Phalangeal curvature in hominoids correlates with locomotor behavior, with greater curvature associated with arboreality. Prior research using 2D geometric morphometrics (2DGM) demonstrated this relationship in the third manual proximal phalanges (mPP3) of orangutans. Specifically, the more terrestrial Bornean orangutans (<i>Pongo pygmaeus</i>) have less curved mPP3s than the less terrestrial Sumatran orangutans (<i>Pongo abelii</i>). This study extends the analysis to the third pedal proximal phalanges (pPP3) to assess if a similar pattern exists and further evaluate the link between curvature and locomotor diversity.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Methods</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>We analyzed pPP3 curvature in <i>P. abelii</i> (<i>n</i> = 16) and <i>P. pygmaeus</i> (<i>n</i> = 15) using a 2DGM approach. Comparisons were made with previously published mPP3 data. Generalized Procrustes analyses and principal components analysis were performed on 100 landmarks placed along the diaphysis's central longitudinal axis to quantify shape variation. ANOVA and post hoc tests determined significance between species and autopods.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Results</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>PC1 accounted for 73.4% of shape variance, primarily reflecting dorsoplantar curvature. <i>P. abelii</i> exhibited significantly greater curvature, aligning with its more arboreal lifestyle. Additionally, curvature in pPP3s was greater than in mPP3s within species.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Conclusions</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Results support the hypothesis that phalangeal curvature reflects habitual substrate use at lower taxonomic resolutions. The greater curvature in <i>P. abelii</i> corresponds to its predominantly arboreal locomotion, while the lesser curvature in <i>P. pygmaeus</i> aligns with increased terrestriality. Additionally, greater curvature in pedal versus manual phalanges may suggest differential adaptations related to substrate engagement. These findings enhance understanding of extant primate autopod functional morphology and can inform reconstructions of extinct species' positional behaviors.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 </div>","PeriodicalId":29759,"journal":{"name":"American Journal of Biological Anthropology","volume":"188 3","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2025-11-24","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145589144","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}
Astorino, C. M. 2025. “Human Sexual Polymorphism and Predicted Ranges of Morphological Variation in Human Skeletal Sex Indicators.” American Journal of Biological Anthropology 188, no. 2: e70135. https://doi.org/10.1002/ajpa.70135.
On page 5 of the Introduction section, the text incorrectly reads, “Gonad type superseded genitals as the definitive sex indicator when surgical means allowed for internal observation of intersex individuals until gonads were observed that could not be clearly identified as a gonad or a testis, or two different types of gonads were found within the same individual (Dreger 1998; Swarr 2023).” This text should have read as follows: “Gonad type superseded genitals as the definitive sex indicator when surgical means allowed for internal observation of intersex individuals until gonads were observed that could not be clearly identified as an ovary or a testis, or two different types of gonads were found within the same individual (Dreger 1998; Swarr 2023).”
Additionally, the first sentence in the Results section 3.6, on pg 13, incorrectly reads, “Although two sex chromosomes per gamete are most typical, occasionally, no sex chromosome is sorted into an ovum or sperm during meiosis.” This text should read as follows: “Although one sex chromosome per gamete is most typical, occasionally, no sex chromosome is sorted into an ovum or sperm during meiosis.”
{"title":"Correction to “Human Sexual Polymorphism and Predicted Ranges of Morphological Variation in Human Skeletal Sex Indicators”","authors":"","doi":"10.1002/ajpa.70171","DOIUrl":"10.1002/ajpa.70171","url":null,"abstract":"<p>Astorino, C. M. 2025. “Human Sexual Polymorphism and Predicted Ranges of Morphological Variation in Human Skeletal Sex Indicators.” <i>American Journal of Biological Anthropology</i> 188, no. 2: e70135. https://doi.org/10.1002/ajpa.70135.</p><p>On page 5 of the Introduction section, the text incorrectly reads, “Gonad type superseded genitals as the definitive sex indicator when surgical means allowed for internal observation of intersex individuals until gonads were observed that could not be clearly identified as <span><b>a gonad</b></span> or a testis, or two different types of gonads were found within the same individual (Dreger 1998; Swarr 2023).” This text should have read as follows: “Gonad type superseded genitals as the definitive sex indicator when surgical means allowed for internal observation of intersex individuals until gonads were observed that could not be clearly identified as <span><b>an ovary</b></span> or a testis, or two different types of gonads were found within the same individual (Dreger 1998; Swarr 2023).”</p><p>Additionally, the first sentence in the Results section 3.6, on pg 13, incorrectly reads, “Although <span><b>two sex chromosomes</b></span> per gamete <span><b>are</b></span> most typical, occasionally, no sex chromosome is sorted into an ovum or sperm during meiosis.” This text should read as follows: “Although <span><b>one sex chromosome</b></span> per gamete <span><b>is</b></span> most typical, occasionally, no sex chromosome is sorted into an ovum or sperm during meiosis.”</p><p>We apologize for these errors.</p>","PeriodicalId":29759,"journal":{"name":"American Journal of Biological Anthropology","volume":"188 3","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2025-11-19","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1002/ajpa.70171","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145551424","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}
Jacob Scheinblum, W. Scott McGraw, Kaita Gurian, Debbie Guatelli-Steinberg
Objectives
To examine relationships between enamel prism angles relative to wear surfaces and dietary hardness in three cercopithecoid genera. We hypothesized that the hard-object feeding (durophagous) Cercocebus atys and Lophocebus albigena would have higher prism angles, making their enamel in this region stiffer and stronger in this region, than the soft-object feeding Cercopithecus. We further investigated whether the habitually durophagous Cercocebus atys and the fallback hard-object feeding Lophocebus albigena had similarly high prism angles.
Materials and Methods
Molars were sectioned using standard protocols and imaged with a Motic BA 310 Microscope with a Moticam camera. ImageJ FIJI was used to measure prism and wear angles. Measurements were made on 13 Cercocebus atys, 13 Lophocebus albigena, and 11 Cercopithecus molars, though sample sizes varied for different comparisons.
Results
Repeated measures regressions of upper functional and non-functional cusps were used to test for the effects of tooth, genus, tooth-genus interaction, and wear angle on prism angle. Genus and wear angle were found to be statistically significant predictors. Pairwise comparisons revealed significantly higher prism angles in Cercocebus atys vs. both Lophocebus albigena and Cercopithecus. There was no significant difference between Lophocebus albigena and Cercopithecus in prism angles.
Discussion
Our finding that the prism angles of a fallback hard-object feeder (Lophocebus albigena) are more similar to those of a soft-object feeder (Cercopithecus) than to a habitual hard-object feeder (Cercocebus atys) suggests that the correspondence between durophagy and enamel microstructure is not straightforward, complicating our ability to infer durophagy in the fossil record.
目的：探讨三属牙釉质棱柱相对磨损面与膳食硬度的关系。我们假设硬食Cercocebus atys和Lophocebus albigena的棱柱角更高，使得它们在这一区域的牙釉质比软食Cercopithecus的牙釉质更硬、更强。我们进一步研究了习惯性进食硬食的Cercocebus atys和后退进食硬物的Lophocebus albigena是否具有相似的高棱镜角。材料和方法：采用标准方案对磨牙进行切片，使用Motic BA 310显微镜和Moticam相机进行成像。ImageJ FIJI用于测量棱镜和磨损角。测量了13颗长尾鲸、13颗长尾鲸和11颗磨牙，尽管样本量因不同的比较而有所不同。结果：采用上颌功能牙尖和非功能牙尖的重复测量回归来检验牙、牙属、牙-牙属相互作用和磨损角对棱柱角的影响。属和磨损角度被发现是有统计学意义的预测因子。两两比较发现，长尾鲸的棱柱角度明显高于长尾鲸和长尾鲸。在棱柱角度上，白斑巨鹭与白颈巨鹭无显著差异。讨论：我们的研究发现，后退硬食动物（Lophocebus albigena）的棱柱角度与软食动物（Cercopithecus）的棱柱角度比习惯性硬食动物（Cercocebus atys）的棱柱角度更相似，这表明硬食动物与牙釉质微观结构之间的对应关系并不直接，这使我们在化石记录中推断硬食动物的能力变得复杂。
{"title":"Enamel Prism Angle Variation and Hard-Object Feeding in Cercopithecoids With Known Diets","authors":"Jacob Scheinblum, W. Scott McGraw, Kaita Gurian, Debbie Guatelli-Steinberg","doi":"10.1002/ajpa.70167","DOIUrl":"10.1002/ajpa.70167","url":null,"abstract":"<div>\u0000 \u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Objectives</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>To examine relationships between enamel prism angles relative to wear surfaces and dietary hardness in three cercopithecoid genera. We hypothesized that the hard-object feeding (durophagous) <i>Cercocebus atys</i> and <i>Lophocebus albigena</i> would have higher prism angles, making their enamel in this region stiffer and stronger in this region, than the soft-object feeding <i>Cercopithecus</i>. We further investigated whether the habitually durophagous <i>Cercocebus atys</i> and the fallback hard-object feeding <i>Lophocebus albigena</i> had similarly high prism angles.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Materials and Methods</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Molars were sectioned using standard protocols and imaged with a Motic BA 310 Microscope with a Moticam camera. ImageJ FIJI was used to measure prism and wear angles. Measurements were made on 13 <i>Cercocebus atys,</i> 13 <i>Lophocebus albigena,</i> and 11 <i>Cercopithecu</i>s molars, though sample sizes varied for different comparisons.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Results</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Repeated measures regressions of upper functional and non-functional cusps were used to test for the effects of tooth, genus, tooth-genus interaction, and wear angle on prism angle. Genus and wear angle were found to be statistically significant predictors. Pairwise comparisons revealed significantly higher prism angles in <i>Cercocebus atys</i> vs. both <i>Lophocebus albigena</i> and <i>Cercopithecus</i>. There was no significant difference between <i>Lophocebus albigena</i> and <i>Cercopithecus</i> in prism angles.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Discussion</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Our finding that the prism angles of a fallback hard-object feeder (<i>Lophocebus albigena</i>) are more similar to those of a soft-object feeder (<i>Cercopithecus</i>) than to a habitual hard-object feeder (<i>Cercocebus atys</i>) suggests that the correspondence between durophagy and enamel microstructure is not straightforward, complicating our ability to infer durophagy in the fossil record.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 </div>","PeriodicalId":29759,"journal":{"name":"American Journal of Biological Anthropology","volume":"188 3","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2025-11-19","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1002/ajpa.70167","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145551390","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}
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