Wild Things by Unknown

Author:Unknown
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: SOCIAL SCIENCE / Archaeology, HISTORY / Europe / General
ISBN: 9781782977476
Publisher: Oxbow Books Ltd
Published: 2014-11-30T05:00:00+00:00

Table 8.5. Squared Mahalanobis distances between group means.

While there are detectable craniometric differences between the EUP and later groups, it is not clear to what extent these result from neutral evolutionary forces and/or natural selection. The largest loadings for the LDA were on facial measurements, specifically orbital and nasal dimensions, which may indicate climate driven selection (Harvati and Weaver 2006; Hubbe et al. 2009; Noback et al. 2011; Roseman 2004; Roseman and Weaver 2004). However, von Cramon-Taubadel (2011) found facial shape, including nasal and orbital shape to be congruent with neutral genetic markers. Hence, it is possible that both stochastic effects due to reduced gene flow and genetic drift, and selective evolutionary forces may have contributed to changes in cranial morphology throughout the late Pleistocene.

This study supports the division of the Upper Palaeolithic into two discrete periods separated by the LGM. From a biological perspective the boundary between the Upper Palaeolithic and Mesolithic must be viewed as somewhat arbitrary. A growing number of archaeologists propose that the Mesolithic should be viewed as a continuity of changes dating back to the LGM (Bailey and Spikins 2008). The division of the Mesolithic into early and late is likewise arbitrary. We suggest that studies interested in ascertaining the extent to which modern humans and Neanderthals may have interbred, should only use contemporaneous EUP material. The grouping of specimens from the EUP and LUP into a single ‘Upper Palaeolithic’ category will result in indeterminate findings. Based on the results presented here, the use of a combined LUP and Mesolithic craniometric sample is justified when necessary.

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