Frontal bone allometry and differentiation in Homo erectus and other archaic Homo fossils

Abstract

The aims of the current study are threefold: 1) characterize the ‘common allometric component’ (CAC) for frontal bone shape in Homo erectus s.l. and other archaic-looking Homo species; 2) assess whether the CAC constrained population and species differentiation; and 3) evaluate the influence of brain size, face size and temporalis size on frontal bone allometry. The latter aim is in keeping with William Jungers’ position that allometric patterns are descriptive and require explication.