Discussion: Neanderthals - Week 14

H. Erectus Cranial Morphology

• Low frontal bone

• Supraorbital torus

• Large incisors relative to molars

• Nuchal torus

• Broad cranial base

• Thick cranial vault bones

• Facial projection

• No chin

H. heidelbergensis Craniofacial Morphology

• Long, low cranium

• Strong browridges divided at center

• Angled rear vault

• Facial projection

• No chin

What is the cranial capacity of H. heidelbergensis?

1200 CM3

H. Neandertalensis craniofacial morphology

• Laterally reduced supraorbital

• Inflated maxilla (No canine fossa)

• Retreating zygomatics

• Mid-facial prognathism

• Wide nasal breath

• Horizontal/Laterally oriented nasal bones

• No Chin

• Mandibular retromolar space

• Nuchal bun

• En bombe cranial vault shape

• Thin cranial vault bones

What is H. neaderthalensis cranial capacity?

1500 CM3

H. sapiens Cranial morphology

• High frontal bone

• No brow ridges

• Globular cranium

• Cranial vault wide at parietals

• Canine fossa

• Pronounced chin