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Computer simulations show that Neanderthal facial morphology represents adaptation to cold and high energy demands, but not heavy biting
Wroe, Stephen Parr, William CH Ledogar, Justin A Bourke, Jason Evans, Samuel P Fiorenza, Luca Benazzi, Stefano Hublin, Jean-Jacques Kullmer, Ottmar
Wroe, Stephen
Parr, William CH
Ledogar, Justin A
Bourke, Jason
Evans, Samuel P
Fiorenza, Luca
Benazzi, Stefano
Hublin, Jean-Jacques
Kullmer, Ottmar
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2018-04-11
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2018-01-10
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Homo neanderthalis
Homo heidelbergensis
computational fluid dynamics
finite-element analysis
biomechanics
evolution
Homo heidelbergensis
computational fluid dynamics
finite-element analysis
biomechanics
evolution
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Abstract
Three adaptive hypotheses have been forwarded to explain the distinctive Neanderthal face: (i) an improved ability to accommodate high anterior bite forces, (ii) more effective conditioning of cold and/or dry air and, (iii) adaptation to facilitate greater ventilatory demands. We test these hypotheses using three-dimensional models of Neanderthals, modern humans, and a close outgroup (<jats:italic>Homo heidelbergensis</jats:italic>), applying finite-element analysis (FEA) and computational fluid dynamics (CFD). This is the most comprehensive application of either approach applied to date and the first to include both. FEA reveals few differences between<jats:italic>H. heidelbergensis</jats:italic>, modern humans, and Neanderthals in their capacities to sustain high anterior tooth loadings. CFD shows that the nasal cavities of Neanderthals and especially modern humans condition air more efficiently than does that of<jats:italic>H. heidelbergensis</jats:italic>, suggesting that both evolved to better withstand cold and/or dry climates than less derived<jats:italic>Homo</jats:italic>. We further find that Neanderthals could move considerably more air through the nasal pathway than could<jats:italic>H. heidelbergensis</jats:italic>or modern humans, consistent with the propositions that, relative to our outgroup<jats:italic>Homo</jats:italic>, Neanderthal facial morphology evolved to reflect improved capacities to better condition cold, dry air, and, to move greater air volumes in response to higher energetic requirements.
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Wroe Stephen, Parr William C. H., Ledogar Justin A., Bourke Jason, Evans Samuel P., Fiorenza Luca, Benazzi Stefano, Hublin Jean-Jacques, Stringer Chris, Kullmer Ottmar, Curry Michael, Rae Todd C. and Yokley Todd R. 2018Computer simulations show that Neanderthal facial morphology represents adaptation to cold and high energy demands, but not heavy bitingProc. R. Soc. B.28520180085 http://doi.org/10.1098/rspb.2018.0085
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Copyright & 2018 The Author(s) Published by the Royal Society. All rights reserved. The attached file is the published version of the article.
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0962-8452
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1471-2954
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openAccess