Abstract
AbstractThe purpose of this study is to assess the mandibular ramus shape using geometric morphometrics, in order to examine secular changes in the shape from the Neolithic to modern period Koreans. Morphological data were collected from 151 adult mandibles representing four temporally different populations. Five landmarks on the mandibular ramus were subjected to a generalized Procrustes analysis. For statistical analysis, canonical variate analysis was conducted using shape coordinates. The Neolithic skeletal group had broader and shorter mandibular ramus shape, whereas the other archaeological and modern skeletal groups showed gracilization in mandibular ramus morphology. Possible causes for the observed secular changes are function‐induced variation and/or morphological integration in skull elements due to brachycephalization. This study can contribute to the discussion on temporal changes in mandibular morphology in relation to masticatory stress and/or morphological integration in skull elements.
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