Abstract
AbstractThis poster provides a set of quadratic formulas for predicting body mass using the femoral midshaft in subadult skeletons. This age-structured method has lower %SEE and is more efficient than estimating body mass from the bone ends (Ruff, 2007). This poster demonstrates that estimates of body mass in subadult skeletons can be compared with stature to look at biocultural stress levels in prehistoric populations. Finally a qualitative assessment of histological markers of growth disruption is provided for individuals that demonstrate low bone mass for body size.
Highlights
In the past two decades, research on growth in cortical bone cross-sectional parameters has suggested: 1) Percent Cortical Area, once used to determine nutritional status from long bone cross-sections, declines as part of a ‘normal’ pattern of growth during infancy
The relationship between body mass and height in the Deccan Chalcolithic (DC) sample was used as a proxy for poor nutritional status and reduced activity levels
Histological Microstructural indicators of growth disruption were observed in 100% individuals with low body mass predictions
Summary
To use bone cross-section parameters as a biocultural stress marker, it is necessary to have an independent estimate of body mass. Long bone ends may not always be preserved and previous methods of estimating body mass from the widths of those ends may not be feasible. The morphology of the ends could be affected if the infants and children are suffering from vitamin D deficiency. Approaching the question in reverse, if we use J (torsional strength) as an independent estimator of body mass (instead of a direct measure of stress) we can look at body mass for height (Ruff 2007) to examine growth suppression. Table 1: prior probability of body mass given Ln (J) in the Denver sample (individuals age 1-10 years)
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