The Australopithecine Face

The Australopithecine Face provides an introduction to the interpretation of the facial skeleton of Australopithecus, a part of the anatomy well represented in the African collections. This book presents important morphological differences between the early hominid taxa and interprets them in a biochemical, functional, evolutionary framework.

Organized into seven chapters, this book begins with an overview of the description of the face of the four species of Australopithecus, extending to comparisons both within the genus and with other primates. This text then provides an analysis of the facial morphology of Australopithecus in terms of structural significance. Other chapters consider the taxonomic and phylogenetic status of the australopithecine species in light of the description and comparison. This book discusses as well the changes in the morphology and topography of the facial mask. The final chapter deals with the phylogenetic assignment of the different species.

This book is a valuable resource for anthropologists.

Foreword

Acknowledgments

One Introduction

The Robust Australopithecine Face: A Review

Object of the Study

Introduction to the Face

Definition of the Face

Taxonomy

Two Australopithecus africanus

Frontal View

Lateral View

Superior View

Basal View

Summary of the Major Facial Features

Three Australopithecus robustus

Frontal View

Lateral View

Superior View

Basal View

Summary of the Major Facial Features

Fou Australopithecus boisei

Frontal View

Lateral View

Superior View

Basal View

Summary of the Major Facial Features

Five Australopithecus afarensis

Frontal View

Lateral View

Basal View

Summary of the Major Facial Features

Six The Structural Significance of the Facial Morphology and Topography of the Australopithecines

The Molarization of the Premolars and the Formation of the Anterior Pillars

The Formation of the Nasoalveolar Triangular Frame in the Face of Australopithecus africanus

The Retraction of the Palate and the Advancement of the Peripheral Face: Metric Evidence

Topographic and Morphological Manifestations of the Shifting of the Palate and of the Peripheral Face

The Visor under Masseteric Pressure and Its Effect on the Morphology of the Face and Skull

The Effect of the Size of the Temporalis Muscle and Its Advancement on the Morphology of the Face

The Face as a Whole: The Outline of the Facial Mask and Its Proportions

Summary

Seven Conclusions: Taxonomy and Phylogeny of the Australopithecines

References

Index

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