Του Γιώργου Λεκάκη
Για μια μελέτη που διεξήγαγε
η κ. Ameline Bardo (του Πανεπιστημίου του Κεντ), και οι συνάδελφοί της,
δημιούργησαν τρισδιάστατους χάρτες των αρθρώσεων, σε πέντε χέρια και καρπούς Νεάντερταλ,
για να διερευνήσουν τους τρόπους με τους οποίους οι Νεάντερταλ μπορούσαν να
κινούν τους αντίχειρές τους…
ΠΕΡΙΣΣΟΤΕΡΑ για τους ΝΕΑΝΤΕΡΝΤΑΛ, ΕΔΩ.
ΔΙΑΒΑΣΤΕ το: Ameline Bardo, Marie-Hélène Moncel, Christopher J.
Dunmore, Tracy L. Kivell, Emmanuelle Pouydebat και Raphaël Cornette «The implications of thumb movements for Neanderthaland modern human manipulation», στο Scientific
Reports, vol. 10, αρ: 19323 (2020), 26
November 2020. ΑΡΧΕΙΟΝ ΠΟΛΙΤΙΣΜΟΥ, 27.11.2020.
ΠΕΡΙΣΣΟΤΕΡΑ θέματα ΠΑΛΑΙΟΑΝΘΡΩΠΟΛΟΓΙΑΣ, ΕΔΩ.
Much research has debated the technological abilities of Neanderthals
relative to those of early modern humans, with a particular focus on subtle differences
in thumb morphology and how this may reflect differences in manipulative
behaviors in these two species. Here, we provide a novel perspective on this
debate through a 3D geometric morphometric analysis of shape covariation
between the trapezial and proximal first metacarpal articular surfaces of
Neanderthals (Homo neanderthalensis) in comparison to early and recent humans
(Homo sapiens). Results show a distinct pattern of shape covariation in
Neanderthals, consistent with more extended and adducted thumb postures that
may reflect habitual use of grips commonly used for hafted tools. Both
Neanderthals and recent humans demonstrate high intraspecific variation in
shape covariation. This intraspecific variation is likely the result of genetic
and/or developmental differences, but may also reflect, in part, differing
functional requirements imposed by the use of varied tool-kits. These results
underscore the importance of holistic joint shape analysis for understanding
the functional capabilities and evolution of the modern human thumb.
