This paper discusses data from four recent modern human samples that show how the flattening and thinning of the diploë is present in all non-adult individuals, suggesting that the feature may be related to growth patterns and dental changes; and it discusses implications for the development of methodologies for age estimation based on frontal bone.
Deciphering the origins of bone alterations is crucial in paleoanthropology for understanding biological variation and distinguishing between taphonomy, normal anatomy, growth-related changes, and pathological conditions. Qafzeh 9, an early anatomically modern human from Lower Galilee, exhibits three alterations on its frontal bone: a circular lacuna, two parallel grooves, and a flattening near the superior temporal line. Micro-CT images and 3D reconstructions complement macroscopic observations to determine the etiologies of these features. The authors’ analysis reveals that one of them, the flattening near the superior temporal line, is associated with changes in the diploë. Data from four recent modern human samples show that this feature is present in all non-adult individuals and suggests that the flattening and thinning of the diploë may be related to growth patterns and dental changes. The authors’ results bring new insights for the development of methodologies for age estimation based on frontal bone. This study also enhances understanding of intra-site variability at Qafzeh and provides a better understanding of the biological diversity and growth patterns among early anatomically modern humans. (Published Abstract Provided)