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5. Studying cranial vault thickness. Part 1: theoretical aspects

Studying cranial vault thickness. Part 1: theoretical aspects

Karapetian M.

Lomonosov Moscow State University, Anuchin Institute and Museum of Anthropology, 11 Mokhovaya str., Moscow, 125009, Russia

Karapetian Marina K., PhD, marishkakar@hotmail.com.

Abstract

Aim. The cranial vault thickness (CVT) has long been a subject of research both in clinical studies (e.g. bone grafting) and in theoretical studies (adaptation, factors of intra- and interspecific variability). The article presents an overview of existing literature sources, describing the current status of the research, and assesses the further research potential. Results. The CVT variability is apparently independent of sex, but shows some age changes, which, however, are not linear. At intraspecific level the CVT shows only slight correlation with body size, size of the neurocranium or with cranial capacity. However, the associations exist on the interspecific level within the order of Primates. In humans CVT has decreased since Paleolithic period, which is hypothesized to be a result of overall gracilization, changes in lifestyle, diet, greater encephalization, relaxation of selective pressure, genetic drift etc. However, the exact nature of these changes is not well explored. Several studies on geographical variability of CVT gave inconsistent results, except studies on Australian Aborigines who show some specifics compared to other human population groups. The latter is hypothesized to be related to a fixation of an ancestral condition, possibly related to isolation. Conclusions. Overall, the increasing knowledge about the subject has allowed to bring up new problems related to CVT variability in a spatiotemporal, adaptive and some other aspects.

Keywords

anthropology; craniology; cranial vault thickness; literature review; Homo sapiens; intraspecific variability; interspecific variability

DOI: 10.32521/2074-8132.2018.2.017-025

Цит.: Karapetian M. Studying cranial vault thickness. Part 1: theoretical aspects // Moscow University Anthropology Bulletin (Vestnik Moskovskogo Universiteta. Seria XXIII. Antropologia), 2018; 2/2018; с. 17-25