Secular changes among the Western Apache.

Abstract

AbstractNorman Gabel measured 355 Western Apache men in 1940. This provided an excellent set of data with which to initiate a study of secular change. One hundred forty‐three sons of the men measured in 1940 were included in a 1967 survey. Correlation analysis of those under age 27 confirmed the view that the onset of maturity was reached earlier in 1940 than in 1967. Correction for immaturity was done by regression analysis. Each son's measurements were corrected by subtracting the present age from the arbitrarily chosen but useful age of 27, multiplying the result by the regression coefficient, and adding the product to the original measurement. The univariate analysis compared each son to his father, with the 1940 sample being weighted according to the number of sons in the 1967 sample. The major changes between 1940 and 1967 are in longer heads (an increase of 3.5 mm), increased stature (plus 13.0 mm) and increased weight (plus 12.9 pounds). Variables associated with weight and stature have shown corresponding changes. The utility of this approach is discussed and evaluated.