Academia.edu no longer supports Internet Explorer.
To browse Academia.edu and the wider internet faster and more securely, please take a few seconds to upgrade your browser.
Related Authors
The Hebrew University of Jerusalem
Liverpool John Moores University
Universidad de Burgos
University of Cambridge
SUNY: Stony Brook University
University of Cambridge
Birkbeck College, University of London
Universidad de Murcia
Uploads
Papers by Adrián Pablos
sometimes represent shared derived traits in this evolutionary line, most of which are probably related to robusticity. Furthermore, some exclusive autoapomorphic traits are observed in the SH sample: a very broad first metatarsal, long and broad hallucal proximal foot phalanges and possibly extremely robust lateral distal foot phalanges compared to those of Neandertals and modern humans. In these last traits, the SH metatarsals and pedal phalanges are even more robust than in Neandertals. They are herein named as “hyper-Neandertal” traits, which could suggest a slight gracilization process in this evolutionary line, at least in the hallux toe. Finally, some paleobiological inferences are made in relation to body size (stature and body mass) and some associations are proposed within the SH sample.
Materials and method: This phalanx (GE-1573) probably corresponds to the fifth toe from the right side due to the medial deviation of the distal tuberosity. We compared the metric variables of this phalanx to several fossil and recent Homo samples.
Results: Neandertals display foot phalanges that are broader and more robust than those of recent humans. Despite the scarcity of well-identified distal phalanges in the Homo fossil record, the GE-1573 phalanx is broad, long and robust when compared with recent and Upper Paleolithic modern humans.
Discussion: These traits, which align the GE-1573 foot phalanx with the Neandertal morphology, are consistent with the stratigraphic context, likely corresponding to one of the oldest Late Neandertals found inland on the Iberian Peninsula. Additionally, it provides the first evidence of a Neandertal human fossil in a stratigraphic context in the Sierra de Atapuerca.
Peninsula. This work confirms the human presence within the Iberian Peninsula during the Upper Paleolithic and reopens the question of the peopling of the inner Peninsula during this period.
of the foot is modern-like, with size being practically the only variation observed. Of the foot remains attributed to the genus Homo, two morphotypes become apparent: small-sized and large-sized individuals. It is important though to take into account that the earliest Homo feet belonging to smaller individuals could not belong to the genus Homo. Later, a new robust bauplan appears in the Homo fossil record for the
foot represented by Homo erectus/ergaster, Homo antecessor, the hominins from Sima de los Huesos and Neandertals. Finally, modern humans display long feet that are gracile compared with their ancestors. An examination of the morphology of the Neandertal foot and of the foot from Sima de los Huesos confirms the evolutionary relationship between these two populations. However, enough differences exist between the
two samples to indicate that they are in fact morphologically distinct. A parallel gracilization process is proposed in both modern humans and Neandertals.
broad lateral malleolar facet in the talus and a very broad sustentaculum tali in the calcaneus, even more so than in Neandertals with respect to both traits. More importantly, the head of the talus from SH is narrower than the Neandertal's broad talus head, and the short intermediate cuneiforms found at SH distinguish them from the other comparative samples. The bodymass estimation based on the trochlear breadth of the talus provides a mean of 69.7 ± 10.0 kg for the SH hominins, similar to that determined by the femoral head
and significantly lower than that obtained from the bi-iliac breadth.
of the genus Homo, but only very rarely has this been posited as the possible manner
of death. Here we report the earliest evidence of lethal interpersonal violence in the hominin
fossil record. Cranium 17 recovered from the Sima de los Huesos Middle Pleistocene site
shows two clear perimortem depression fractures on the frontal bone, interpreted as being
produced by two episodes of localized blunt force trauma. The type of injuries, their location,
the strong similarity of the fractures in shape and size, and the different orientations and implied
trajectories of the two fractures suggest they were produced with the same object in
face-to-face interpersonal conflict. Given that either of the two traumatic events was likely
lethal, the presence of multiple blows implies an intention to kill. This finding shows that the
lethal interpersonal violence is an ancient human behavior and has important implications
for the accumulation of bodies at the site, supporting an anthropic origin.
de los Huesos (SH) (Sierra de Atapuerca, Burgos, Spain). These tali belong to 14 individuals (11 adult and
three immature). Although variation among Middle and Late Pleistocene tali tends to be subtle, this
study has identified unique morphological characteristics of the SH tali. They are vertically shorter than
those of Late Pleistocene Homo sapiens, and show a shorter head and a broader lateral malleolar facet
than all of the samples. Moreover, a few shared characters with Neanderthals are consistent with the
hypothesis that the SH population and Neanderthals are sister groups. These shared characters are a
broad lateral malleolar facet, a trochlear height intermediate between modern humans and Late Pleistocene
H. sapiens, and a short middle calcaneal facet. It has been possible to propose sex assignment for
the SH tali based on their size. Stature estimates based on these fossils give a mean stature of 174.4 cm for
males and 161.9 cm for females, similar to that obtained based on the long bones from this same site.
Fully method), followed by type I regression equations (e.g., ordinary least squares – OLS) based on long bones, preferably from the lower limb. In some cases, due to the fragmentary nature of the osseous material recovered, stature estimates have to rely on other elements, such as foot remains. In this study, we explore stature estimation based on different foot bones: the talus, calcaneus, and metatarsals 1–4 in Afro- and Euroamericans of both sexes. The approach undertaken in this study is novel for two reasons. First, individual estimates for each bone are provided, and tarsals and metatarsals are combined in order to obtain more accurate estimates. Second, robust statistical methods based on type I regression equations are used, namely least trimmed squares (LTS). Our results show that the best individual bones
for estimating stature are the first and second metatarsal and both the talus and the calcaneus. The combination of a tarsal and a metatarsal bone slightly improves the accuracy of the stature estimate.
sometimes represent shared derived traits in this evolutionary line, most of which are probably related to robusticity. Furthermore, some exclusive autoapomorphic traits are observed in the SH sample: a very broad first metatarsal, long and broad hallucal proximal foot phalanges and possibly extremely robust lateral distal foot phalanges compared to those of Neandertals and modern humans. In these last traits, the SH metatarsals and pedal phalanges are even more robust than in Neandertals. They are herein named as “hyper-Neandertal” traits, which could suggest a slight gracilization process in this evolutionary line, at least in the hallux toe. Finally, some paleobiological inferences are made in relation to body size (stature and body mass) and some associations are proposed within the SH sample.
Materials and method: This phalanx (GE-1573) probably corresponds to the fifth toe from the right side due to the medial deviation of the distal tuberosity. We compared the metric variables of this phalanx to several fossil and recent Homo samples.
Results: Neandertals display foot phalanges that are broader and more robust than those of recent humans. Despite the scarcity of well-identified distal phalanges in the Homo fossil record, the GE-1573 phalanx is broad, long and robust when compared with recent and Upper Paleolithic modern humans.
Discussion: These traits, which align the GE-1573 foot phalanx with the Neandertal morphology, are consistent with the stratigraphic context, likely corresponding to one of the oldest Late Neandertals found inland on the Iberian Peninsula. Additionally, it provides the first evidence of a Neandertal human fossil in a stratigraphic context in the Sierra de Atapuerca.
Peninsula. This work confirms the human presence within the Iberian Peninsula during the Upper Paleolithic and reopens the question of the peopling of the inner Peninsula during this period.
of the foot is modern-like, with size being practically the only variation observed. Of the foot remains attributed to the genus Homo, two morphotypes become apparent: small-sized and large-sized individuals. It is important though to take into account that the earliest Homo feet belonging to smaller individuals could not belong to the genus Homo. Later, a new robust bauplan appears in the Homo fossil record for the
foot represented by Homo erectus/ergaster, Homo antecessor, the hominins from Sima de los Huesos and Neandertals. Finally, modern humans display long feet that are gracile compared with their ancestors. An examination of the morphology of the Neandertal foot and of the foot from Sima de los Huesos confirms the evolutionary relationship between these two populations. However, enough differences exist between the
two samples to indicate that they are in fact morphologically distinct. A parallel gracilization process is proposed in both modern humans and Neandertals.
broad lateral malleolar facet in the talus and a very broad sustentaculum tali in the calcaneus, even more so than in Neandertals with respect to both traits. More importantly, the head of the talus from SH is narrower than the Neandertal's broad talus head, and the short intermediate cuneiforms found at SH distinguish them from the other comparative samples. The bodymass estimation based on the trochlear breadth of the talus provides a mean of 69.7 ± 10.0 kg for the SH hominins, similar to that determined by the femoral head
and significantly lower than that obtained from the bi-iliac breadth.
of the genus Homo, but only very rarely has this been posited as the possible manner
of death. Here we report the earliest evidence of lethal interpersonal violence in the hominin
fossil record. Cranium 17 recovered from the Sima de los Huesos Middle Pleistocene site
shows two clear perimortem depression fractures on the frontal bone, interpreted as being
produced by two episodes of localized blunt force trauma. The type of injuries, their location,
the strong similarity of the fractures in shape and size, and the different orientations and implied
trajectories of the two fractures suggest they were produced with the same object in
face-to-face interpersonal conflict. Given that either of the two traumatic events was likely
lethal, the presence of multiple blows implies an intention to kill. This finding shows that the
lethal interpersonal violence is an ancient human behavior and has important implications
for the accumulation of bodies at the site, supporting an anthropic origin.
de los Huesos (SH) (Sierra de Atapuerca, Burgos, Spain). These tali belong to 14 individuals (11 adult and
three immature). Although variation among Middle and Late Pleistocene tali tends to be subtle, this
study has identified unique morphological characteristics of the SH tali. They are vertically shorter than
those of Late Pleistocene Homo sapiens, and show a shorter head and a broader lateral malleolar facet
than all of the samples. Moreover, a few shared characters with Neanderthals are consistent with the
hypothesis that the SH population and Neanderthals are sister groups. These shared characters are a
broad lateral malleolar facet, a trochlear height intermediate between modern humans and Late Pleistocene
H. sapiens, and a short middle calcaneal facet. It has been possible to propose sex assignment for
the SH tali based on their size. Stature estimates based on these fossils give a mean stature of 174.4 cm for
males and 161.9 cm for females, similar to that obtained based on the long bones from this same site.
Fully method), followed by type I regression equations (e.g., ordinary least squares – OLS) based on long bones, preferably from the lower limb. In some cases, due to the fragmentary nature of the osseous material recovered, stature estimates have to rely on other elements, such as foot remains. In this study, we explore stature estimation based on different foot bones: the talus, calcaneus, and metatarsals 1–4 in Afro- and Euroamericans of both sexes. The approach undertaken in this study is novel for two reasons. First, individual estimates for each bone are provided, and tarsals and metatarsals are combined in order to obtain more accurate estimates. Second, robust statistical methods based on type I regression equations are used, namely least trimmed squares (LTS). Our results show that the best individual bones
for estimating stature are the first and second metatarsal and both the talus and the calcaneus. The combination of a tarsal and a metatarsal bone slightly improves the accuracy of the stature estimate.
In this paper we investigate taxonomic, spatial and temporal variation in two components of body size within the genus Homo: body mass and stature. We combine size estimates of hominin fossils from our own studies with other published data, resulting in the largest sample for a single study so far (n=319). The body size estimates cover roughly four million years (4.1 Mya – 11 ka) and derive from African, European and Asian specimens, including several genera and species of hominins. This data set allows for a detailed assessment of body size evolution within the genus Homo and relative to earlier hominins.
Analyses of the body size estimates demonstrate that: a) the origins of the genus Homo are characterized by a significant increase in body size compared to australopithecines and paranthropines, but also feature abundant spatial and temporal variation within an enlarged size range; b) members of Homo erectus/ergaster are marked by a diversification in body mass and stature rather than directional increase; c) a consistent and universal increase in body size is only established in Middle Pleistocene hominins (e.g. Sima de los Huesos, Atapuerca; Homo heidelbergensis), Neanderthals and modern humans after ca. 0.5 Mya; d) selection against smaller body mass and stature occurred in the late Early and Middle Pleistocene, and; e) there are no simple latitudinal trends in the variation of body size estimates within Middle and Late Pleistocene Homo in Europe. These results have implications for studies concerned with human dispersal and encephalization, and more generally for how we interpret the evolution and biology of our genus. In light of the above, rather than focusing exclusively on species means and unidirectional models, perspectives that emphasize spatio-temporal variability and phenotypic plasticity might be more fruitful frameworks for interpreting the evolution of body size in our genus.
The Cova Gran de Santa Linya site is located in the first ranges of the SE Pre-Pyrenees, ca. 385 m a.s.l.. It represents a large archaeological rock shelter with a long chrono-cultural sequence spanning the Middle Paleolithic, Early Upper Paleolithic, Late Upper Paleolithic to Late Prehistory [4].
In a recent excavation of 9 m2 test-pit called “Sector V” several human remains were discovered corresponding to a human partial skeleton preserving fragmentary long bones, fragments of the pelvis, and some cranial, vertebral, hand and foot remains. Until now, it is remarkable the absence of teeth and the small representation of cranial, hand and foot fossils. Direct ultrafiltered radiocarbon dating of a human fibular fragment provided a date of 12,310 ± 40 BP (Beta-587946) deriving the chronometrical range 14,808-14,091 cal yr BP (2 ∂; 14,808-14,707 cal BP (14.3%) /14,468-14,091 cal BP (81.1%)) that frames the discovery in the Late Pleistocene.
Before the anthropological and taphonomic study, an in-depth restoration and conservation process was necessary due to the fragility and fragmentary nature of the bones. We provide a complete metric and morphological study of this individual for the first time within a chronologically and regionally comparative framework. The age at death determination for all the human remains suggests an adult age, based on the completely fused epiphysis on all the bones. There is no age at death or laterality incompatibilities, and therefore probably all the human sample belonged to the same individual, a likely adult female. Some probably pathological traumatic lesions and periosteal reactions have been observed in the radius, the ulna, the phalanges, the tibia and the fibula.
The taphonomic analysis of the skeletal remains reveals the total absence of anthropic intervention of the skeleton such as cut or percussion marks. This, rules out cannibalism as is the case with other individuals of Magdalenian chronology in Europe [5]. Tooth marks compatible with a small carnivore have been documented on both tibiae. This allows inferring punctual scavenging of the skeleton and could explain the absence of some anatomical elements. Finally, postmortem modifications typical of processes occurring after burial such as postmortem fractures or modification by plant roots are the most common alterations in this individual. These taphonomic characteristics together with the anatomical relationship of the elements of the same individual suggest a rapid burial of the corpse, compatible with funerary practices as a provisory scenario without discounting her natural or accidental death. In sum, the partial skeleton of Cova Gran, nicknamed Linya, constitutes an important addition to the Late Glacial human fossil record of South-Western Europe.