The variation of measurements: Considering the morphology of late Pleistocene hominins

Abstract

The variability of measurement has been a concern for anthropologists for some time now, and has developed into many different styles of recording said measurements. In this thesis, the comparison of craniometric measurements from two perspectives are explored. First, that of the traditional caliper measurements and second, that of the 3D Digitizer measurements and equipment. This comparison shows the minute difference between traditional and contemporary measurements by analyzing four component shapes of select Pleistocene hominins and Modern Homo, as well as, the difficulty of said measurement techniques. Incidentally, this thesis also covers the place of Pleistocene hominin cranial-morphology and variation within Modern Homo. By looking at different Pleistocene fossils (n=13) from three different geographic regions, and comparing them to Modern Homo (n=10) selected from among the Wichita State University Biological Anthropology Laboratory cadavers, this study seeks to assess the biological significance and place of fossil groups in relation to modern Homo.