In the arguments on modern human origins the Qafzeh-Skhul hominans,
based on skeletal analyses, are accepted as "anatomically modern"
and given the lofty title of "Proto-Cro-Magnons." However, their
modernity has been questioned in the literature. In this research,
42 dimensions were measured on the craniofacial bones of Qafzeh,
Skhul, Cro-Magnons, Neanderthals, and other archaic, early, and
recent modern samples from Africa, Western Asia, Europe, and East
Asia (total crania, N=400) to test the null hypothesis that the
Qafzeh-Skhul hominans are 'Proto-Cro-Magnons.' An alternate
hypothesis was also tested: the Qafzeh and Skhul hominan samples
have morphometric affinities to one, some or none of the regional
sample groups in this research. Canonical variate analysis based on
log size/shape and shape D2 for male and female craniofacial data
show quite clearly that the Qafzeh and Skhul hominan samples are
distant from the Cro-Magnons but closer to African and Levantine
(Middle Eastern) sample groups. Hierarchical cluster analysis
presented similar results. Based on the data in this research, the
hypothesis stating that the Qafzeh and Skhul hominans are
"Proto-Cro-Magnons" is rejected. Instead, the alternate hypothesis
is accepted: the Qafzeh and Skhul hominans have strong morphometric
affinities to archaic and early modern Africans and Levantines.
Together, the Qafzeh-Skhul skeletal sample shows strong evidence of
mosaic evolution. In essence, are the Qafzeh and Skhul hominans
descendants of "the" modern African population that left the
continent 200,000 to 150,000 years ago according to the
mitochrondrial DNA genetic evidence? This is certainly possible.
Are the Qafzeh and Skhul hominans ancestors of the later
Cro-Magnons who, supposedly, "replaced" all existing, well-adapted
populations in the Old World--even the remarkable Neanderthals--by
30,000 years ago? According to the craniofacial data in this
research, the answer is no.
General
Is the information for this product incomplete, wrong or inappropriate?
Let us know about it.
Does this product have an incorrect or missing image?
Send us a new image.
Is this product missing categories?
Add more categories.
Review This Product
No reviews yet - be the first to create one!
Welcome to Loot.co.za!
Sign in / Register |Wishlists & Gift Vouchers |Help | Advanced search
(4)
