Nosing beyond the stone age: deciphering nasal evolution from Neanderthals to modern Man
Introduction: Neanderthals, our extinct relatives, exhibited distinct nasal morphology compared to Homo sapiens. Objectives: This study explores these differences through a comparative analysis of cranionasal measurements. Material and Methods: Data on Neanderthal nasal features were obtained...
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| Main Authors: | , , , , , , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
Portuguese Society of Otolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery
2024-09-01
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| Series: | Revista Portuguesa Otorrinolaringologia e Cirurgia de Cabeça e Pescoço |
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | https://journalsporl.com/index.php/sporl/article/view/2177 |
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| Summary: | Introduction: Neanderthals, our extinct relatives, exhibited distinct nasal morphology compared to Homo sapiens.
Objectives: This study explores these differences through a comparative analysis of cranionasal measurements.
Material and Methods: Data on Neanderthal nasal features were obtained from existing paleoanthropological literature, focusing on 16 hominid fossils. A parallel sample of 38 modern human CT scans was retrospectively reviewed, with measurements focusing on nasal region.
Results: Neanderthals displayed significantly larger nasal cavities with increased basion-nasion and basion-prosthion distances, wider intercanine dimensions, and larger nasal breadth and height compared to modern humans. Choanal width and nasal index did not differ significantly.
Conclusions: These findings suggest functional adaptations in Neanderthal nasal morphology, potentially aiding in thermoregulation within cold environments. Further research is needed to fully understand the evolutionary significance of these adaptations.
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| ISSN: | 2184-6499 |