Cranial Fragments Research Articles

Sex determination from foramen magnum parameters in Thai cadaveric donor

The foramen magnum (FM) occupies a well-protected position, making it particularly intriguing for forensic research. The necessity for methods to estimate sex from cranial fragments becomes evident when only a partial skull is available for identification. The objective of this study was to assess sex differences in anthropometric measurements, including the length of the foramen magnum (FML), width of the foramen magnum (FMW), foramen magnum area (FMA), and circumference, with the aim of developing a binary logistic regression model in Thai cadaveric donors. Sixty adult dry skulls underwent both intraclass and interclass correlation analyses. Subsequently, 240 adult dry skulls of known sex (120 males and 120 females) were meticulously measured and analyzed to determine the optimal threshold for sex determination. Morphometric analysis of the FM was carried out using vernier calipers, and the area of the FM was precisely calculated. The FML, FMW, FMA, and circumference were all found to be significantly larger in males than in females. Furthermore, FM circumference exhibited an AUC (Area Under the Curve) value of 0.908, signifying it as an excellent parameter for sex discrimination. Lastly, binary logistic regression was executed. Significant sex differences in FM circumference were consistently observed, demonstrating an accuracy of 81.62% when validated in 120 dry skulls.

The Cranium I: Neurocranium.

The Sima de los Huesos (SH) site has provided a significant collection of hominin remains, including numerous cranial fragments, which have contributed to our understanding of the MP human population. The taxonomic classification of the SH hominins remains a topic of debate, with some studies suggesting a close relationship to Neandertals based on nuclear DNA analysis. The cranial morphology of the SH specimens exhibits a mix of Neandertal-like features and primitive traits observed in earlier Homo populations, providing insights into the evolutionary pattern of the Neanderthal lineage. This study focuses on the neurocranial traits of the SH population and describes three previously undescribed cranial individuals. The SH cranial collection now comprises 20 nearly complete crania, representing approximately two-thirds of the estimated population size. The analysis of the SH population reveals variations in robustness, frontal torus development, sagittal keeling, and occipital torus morphology, which may be related to sexual dimorphism and ontogenetic factors. The suprainiac region exhibits notable ontogenetic changes, while suture obliteration patterns do not strictly correlate with dental age. Metric measurements, particularly cranial breadths, highlight significant intrapopulation variation within the SH sample. Compared with other Middle Pleistocene (MP) hominins, the SH cranial vault displays archaic characteristics but differs from Homo erectus and Neandertals. The SH individuals have relatively short and tall cranial vaults, distinguishing them from other MP fossils. These findings contribute to our understanding of the MP human populations and their evolutionary trajectories.

Diet and habitat of the late Middle Pleistocene mammals from the Casal de’ Pazzi site (Rome, Italy) using stable carbon and oxygen isotope ratios

The late Middle Pleistocene archaeological site of Casal de’ Pazzi (MIS 7, ∼240–200 ka) in central Italy provided a complex of paleontological (both fauna and flora) and archaeological evidence, as well as a cranial fragment of Homo heidelbergensis.Here, we investigated the stable carbon and oxygen isotopic ratios of tooth enamel from six herbivore species (Palaeoloxodon antiquus, Hippopotamus amphibius, Bos primigenius, Stephanorhinus kirchbergensis, Equus ferus, and Dama Dama) to contribute to the understanding of the paleoenvironment of the site through the reconstruction of the diet and habitat of Pleistocene mammals. Our results indicate that the analyzed taxa fed on C3 plants and exploited both closed and open environments. This is consistent with the macro-botanical remains (leaf fossil impressions of Zelkova sp., Laurus nobilis, and Cercis siliquastrum) found at Casal de’ Pazzi and pollen evidence from the nearby lake of Valle di Castiglione. The area around the site was characterized by diversified Mediterranean evergreen forest tree species, accompanied by mesophilic elements of the mixed deciduous oak and beach forest, alternating with diversified wooded/forested vegetation and xeric vegetation. This was the environmental context in which the late Middle Pleistocene Homo lived. Comparisons with published isotopic data from other European archaeological localities between ∼600 and 125 ka evidenced considerable environmental differences through time and space, according to the general climate trends and local factors, such as latitude, temperature, and vegetation composition.

Identification of fragmented cranial remains excavated from a site adjoining Ajnala well: a forensic anthropological case report

BackgroundMankind have suffered several unexpected disasters, heinous crimes, and brutalities, resulting into large number of unknown skeletal remains to be identified and repatriated to their relatives.Case presentationOne such incident of mass killing of 282 Indian-origin soldiers by the colonial rulers in 1857 was reported from Ajnala (India) in early 2014. The damaged cranial fragments belonging to two individuals were retrieved from the vicinity of Ajnala mass-burial site later in 2014. In present study, the retrieved cranial elements were examined forensic anthropologically to assess whether their affinity is akin to the slain Ajnala sepoys or to the deceased who were buried prior to or later than it. The morphological and molecular analyses of these remains affirmed their affiliation to the mutiny sepoys of 1857 killed at Ajnala.ConclusionsThe forensic anthropological and molecular examinations of cranial fragments found that these remains belonged to the individuals killed in the Ajnala incident. The multidisciplinary approach applied for identification of the badly damaged, fragmented, and commingled human remains helped in their presumptive identification.

The interaction between large mammals and Acheulean tools during the Middle Pleistocene in the Manzanares valley (Madrid, Spain): new evidence for Santa Elena and Oxígeno sites

The fluvial deposits of the Manzanares and Jarama rivers present one of the largest concentrations of lithic and faunal remains of Pleistocene sites in Europe. In the Manzanares River close to the confluence of the Jarama River, the stepped terrace system disappears and gives way to the Complex Terrace of Butarque (CTB), where the sites of Santa Elena and Oxígeno are located. Different numerical dates obtained from the visible CTB’s bottom suggest that it was deposited during the MIS 6 or even MIS 7. This paper provides the first taphonomic and palaeoecological interpretation of both collections. A total of 445 fossil elements have been recorded in Oxígeno. The most represented are cranial fragments of Elephas sp. About Santa Elena, 130 fossil elements have been recorded. The best represented are fragments of Bos/Bison sp. horns and Elephas sp. tusks. The taphonomic processes identified at both sites bring to light a complex taphonomic history. The incidence of processes related to fluvial transport is higher in Oxígeno than in Santa Elena. Besides, dismemberment cut marks have been identified exclusively on the humerus of Bos primigenius in Santa Elena. Several tooth marks from carnivores have been recorded: small pits and scores at Oxígeno as well as pits and furrowing on Bos primigenius and Megaloceros sp. bones from Santa Elena. The faunal association depict an open landscape of wet meadows with herbaceous vegetation adjacent to riparian wood habitats associated with the Manzanares alluvial plain, where hominids and predators competed to some unknown extent.

Cranial remains of Ramsayia magna from the Late Pleistocene of Australia and the evolution of gigantism in wombats (Marsupialia, Vombatidae)

AbstractGiant wombats (defined here as ≥70 kg) are found in the genera Phascolonus, Ramsayia and perhaps Sedophascolomys. Ramsayia is currently the most poorly known, having been described from mandibular and cranial fragments. Here, we report the most complete cranial remains attributable to the genus, identified as R. magna. The specimen provides new insights into the anatomy of the species and evolutionary adaptations to gigantism in Vombatidae. We record parietal sinuses in a vombatid for the first time, an adaptation to increased skull size relative to the braincase. The presence of a prominent premaxillary spine may indicate that the species possessed a large, fleshy nose. Both features are convergent on other large‐bodied, non‐vombatid extinct megaherbivores of Australia such as Diprotodon optatum. We use the cranial remains to examine the phylogenetic relationships of giant wombats to other vombatids. Phylogenetic analysis using maximum parsimony and Bayesian inference indicates that Phascolomys, Ramsayia and Sedophascolomys form a clade, suggesting a single origin of gigantism within Vombatidae. This origin may be related to the exploitation of poor‐quality foods, and preceded extreme specializations observed in the cranial anatomy of the giant wombats. U‐series and combined U‐series and electron spin resonance (ESR) dating methods were applied to one fossil tooth. Age calculations systematically correlate the fossil remains to Marine Isotope Stage 5, and an age of c. 80 000 years can be proposed for this specimen. With only a single well‐dated occurrence for this taxon, it is currently impossible to determine when and why R. magna became extinct.

The earliest known North American bovid, Neotragocerus

ABSTRACT Neotragocerus represents the earliest recognized occurrence of the Bovidae in North America but is rare and poorly understood, known principally by scattered horn cores assigned to two species. Recently, the largest sample of Neotragocerus was discovered in the Fort Rock Formation of south-central Oregon where Eurasian immigrants co-occur. Horn cores, cranial fragments, dental material, and postcranial elements were found at five closely related sites and provide significant morphological data of this enigmatic ungulate. The specimens occurred in a ferruginous-stained basalt gravel that represents a paleochannel. Associated faunal elements indicate deposition during the Hemphillian NALMA, and 40Ar/39Ar dates from interbedded tephras, ranging from 6.11 + 0.08 to 5.74 + 0.01 Ma correspond with the Hemphillian assignment. Neotragocerus was a medium-sized bovid with relatively short horn cores, normally with dorsoventral ridges, ovate cross-section at the base, very short pedicles and a brachyselenodont dentition. Morphologies suggest assignment of Neotragocerus to the “Boselaphini,” the least derived tribe of living bovids or at least derivation from a “boselaphine” synapomorphic complex. The Hemphillian genus does not appear to be closely related to later occurring North American bovids, and a close Eurasian relative is not obvious. Based on the range of variation displayed by the Oregon specimens, Neotragocerus improvisus is retained, and Neotragocerus lindgreni is considered a nomen dubium.

Similarities between skull fragment VM-0 from Orce (Spain) and the Homo erectus holotype from trinil (Java)

In 1982, cranial fragment VM-0 was found at the Venta Micena site in the province of Granada, southern Spain. The fragment measures between 7 .5 and 9 cm in diameter, and comprises part of the two parietal bones and the upper occipitalis squama. In anatomical orientation, the fragment occupies the area of the obelion. The curvature of this skull fragment, length of the sagittal suture, form of the suture at its most posterior end (S4), and the angle formed by this suture and the Jambdoid sutures, suggested that the fossil belonged to a primitive member of the genus Homo. It was found in association with an older Lower Pleistocene fauna! assemblage. The fossil was reported by Gibert et al. (1983) on the basis of external anatomical features only, as the internal surface was covered by tightly cemented calcareous gangue that was difficult to remove.

Evolution of cranial capacity revisited: A view from the late Middle Pleistocene cranium from Xujiayao, China

The Late Middle Pleistocene hominin fossils from the Xujiayao site in northern China have been closely studied in light of their morphological variability. However, all previous studies have focused on separated cranial fragments. Here, we report the first reconstruction of a fairly complete posterior cranium, Xujiayao 6 (XJY 6), confidently dated to ∼200–160 ka, which facilitated an assessment of its overall cranial size. XJY 6 was reconstructed from three of the original fragments—the PA1486 (No.7/XJY 6a) occipital bone, PA1490 (No.10/XJY 6b) right parietal bone, and PA1498 (No.17/XJY 15) left temporal bone—which originated from the same young adult individual. The XJY 6 endocranial capacity, estimated by measuring endocranial volume, was estimated using multiple regression formulae derived from ectocranial and endocranial measurements on select samples of Pleistocene hominins and recent modern humans. The results indicate that the larger pooled sample of both Pleistocene and recent modern humans was more robust for the endocranial capacity estimate. Based on the pooled sample using the ectocranial and endocranial measurements, we conservatively estimate the XJY 6 endocranial volume to be ∼1700 cm3 with a 95% confidence interval of 1555–1781 cm3. This is close to Xuchang 1, which dates to 125–105 ka and whose endocranial volume is ∼1800 cm3. Thus, XJY 6 provides the earliest evidence of a brain size that falls in the upper range of Neanderthals and modern Homo sapiens. XJY 6, together with Xuchang 1, Homo floresiensis, Homo luzonensis, and Homo naledi, challenge the general pattern that brain size gradually increases over geological time. This study also finds that hominin brain size expansion occurred at different rates across time and space.

Immature Hominin Craniodental Remains From a New Locality in the Rising Star Cave System, South Africa

Homo naledi is known from the Rising Star cave system, South Africa, where its remains have previously been reported from two localities: the Dinaledi Chamber (U.W. 101) and Lesedi Chamber (U.W. 102). Continued exploration of the cave system has expanded our knowledge of the Dinaledi Chamber and its surrounding passageways (the Dinaledi Subsystem), leading to the discovery of new fossil localities. This paper discusses the fossil assemblage from the locality designated U.W. 110. This locality is within a narrow fissure of the Dinaledi Subsystem approximately 12 meters southwest of the 2013–2014 excavation. Fossil remains recovered from this locality include six hominin teeth and 28 cranial fragments, all consistent with a single immature hominin individual. The dental morphology of the new specimens supports attribution to H. naledi. This is the first immature individual of H. naledi to preserve morphological details of the calvaria in association with dental evidence. This partial skull provides information about the maturation of H. naledi and will be important in reconstructing the developmental sequence of immature remains from other H. naledi occurrences. This is the third locality described with H. naledi material in the Rising Star cave system and represents a depositional situation that resembles the Lesedi Chamber in some respects.

Neanderthal cranial remains from Baume Moula-Guercy (Soyons, Ardèche, France).

We provide the first comparative description of the Guercy 1 cranium and isolated cranial fragments from Baume Moula-Guercy and examine their affinities to European Preneanderthals, Neanderthals, and Homo sapiens. The Moula-Guercy hominins derive from deposits chronostratigraphically and biostratigraphically dated to the Eemian Interglacial (MIS 5e). For comparisons we compiled a sample of European and Southwest Asian subadult-adult Middle-to-Late Pleistocene hominins (≈MIS 14-MIS 2; N = 184). This sample represents a Preneanderthal-Neanderthal group and a H. sapiens group, both of which were further divided into three time-successive subgroups defined by associated marine isotope stages (MIS). Metric and morphological observations were made on the original fossils and a virtual reconstruction of Guercy 1. Developmental age and sex and the minimum-maximum number of individuals were assessed. Guercy 1 represents the remains of a late stage adolescent (≈15-16.0 years) female. Morphological and metric data combine to associate the total morphological pattern expressed in Guercy 1 with our MIS 7-MIS 5e ("Early Neanderthal") subgroup. Some features, especially those related to the frontal, suggest linkage to a paleodeme comprising the Moula-Guercy, Artenac, La Chaise Abri Suard and, possibly, the Biache-Saint-Vaast samples. Remains of MIS 7-MIS 5e Neanderthals are rare and fragmentary, especially those dated to the Last Interglacial. The Baume Moula-Guercy sample provides new insights into the total morphological pattern expressed in MIS 5e Neanderthals. Further, our results support earlier suggestions that MIS 7-MIS 5e European hominins represent a morphotype that is distinct from both earlier and later members of the Preneanderthal-Neanderthal group.

A New Erythrosuchid Archosauriform from the Middle Triassic Yerrapalli Formation of South-Central India

Erythrosuchid archosauriforms are quadrupedal carnivorous reptiles with a proportionally huge skull. They represent one of the first evolutionary radiations of medium to large predatory diapsids after the Permo–Triassic mass extinction. Erythrosuchids are known from Lower–Middle Triassic rocks of South Africa, Russia, and China, and there have been preliminary reports from the Middle Triassic Yerrapalli Formation of south-central India. Here we describe, compare and figure for the first time these Indian erythrosuchid remains. We erect the new genus and species Bharitalasuchus tapani based on a holotype and paratype that preserve tooth-bearing cranial fragments, at least 17 presacral vertebrae, some ribs and probable intercentra, and partial shoulder and pelvic girdles and hindlimb and allow recognizing a series of autapomorphies and unique combination of character states among erythrosuchids. Our phylogenetic analysis recovered Bharitalasuchus tapani most closely related to Shansisuchus shansisuchus and Chalishevia cothurnata from the late Anisian of China and Ladinian of Russia, respectively. The phylogenetic affinities of this new taxon and a revision of the tetrapod assemblage of the Yerrapalli Formation shed light on the age of this unit. The presence of the Wadiasaurus-Rechnisaurus-Bharitalasuchus association in the Yerrapalli Formation closely resembles the Sinokannemeyeria-Shansisuchus dicynodont-erythrosuchid association of late Anisian to early Ladinian Chinese units. This evidence supports a post-early–middle Anisian age, even possibly early Ladinian, for the Yerrapalli Formation. The presence of possibly one of the last erythrosuchids in India would indicate that the clade still retained both a northern and southern Pangean distribution before its extinction.

Roedores muroideos (Mammalia, Cricetidae e Muridae) da Toca dos Ossos, Ourolândia, Caatinga do estado da Bahia, Brasil

Roedores muroideos incluem as duas famílias mais diversas de mamíferos do mundo, Cricetidae e Muridae. Apesar disso, são ainda pouco estudados em muitas regiões, como a Caatinga. O presente estudo dá a conhecer os roedores muroideos da Toca dos Ossos, situada em Ourolândia, centro-norte da Bahia. A Toca dos Ossos é uma cavidade natural escavada em maciço calcário da Formação Caatinga, destacando-se por ser um importante sítio paleontológico. O material estudado é constituído por fragmentos cranianos e mandibulares coletados em duas áreas da caverna. Em uma delas, egagropilos de Tyto furcata foram coletados em uma dolina e, na outra, o material foi coletado no sedimento de superfície em salões e condutos internos da caverna. Sete espécies foram registradas: Necromys lasiurus, a mais frequente na amostra, Cerradomys sp., Holochilus sciureus, Oligoryzomys sp., Calomys sp., Wiedomys pyrrhorhinos e Rattus rattus, este exclusivo nas amostras de egagropilos. Apesar das diferenças nas frequências dos táxons, as amostras em ambas as áreas da caverna apresentam grande similaridade taxonômica e são compostas por espécies de ocorrência atual na Caatinga, incluindo a espécie exótica R. rattus, o que sugere uma idade recente para o material, posterior à expansão desse bioma, que ocorreu há cerca de 4.000 anos.

Differentiation of Traumatic Osteoporotic and Non-Osteoporotic Vertebral AO A3 Fractures by Analyzing the Posterior Edge Morphology-A Retrospective Feasibility Study.

Background: Differentiation between traumatic osteoporotic and non-osteoporotic vertebral fractures is crucial for optimal therapy planning. We postulated that the morphology of the posterior edge of the cranial fragment of A3 vertebral fractures is different in these entities. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to develop and validate a simple method to differentiate between osteoporotic and non-osteoporotic A3 vertebral fractures by morphological analysis. Methods: A total of 86 computer tomography scans of AO Type A3 (cranial burst) vertebral body fractures (52 non-osteoporotic, 34 osteoporotic) were included in this retrospective study. Posterior edge morphology was analyzed using the sagittal paramedian slice with the most prominent shaped bulging. Later, the degree of bulging of the posterior edge fragment was quantified using a geometric approach. Additionally, the Hounsfield units of the broken vertebral body, the vertebra above, and the vertebra below the fracture were measured. Results: We found significant differences in the extent of bulging comparing osteoporotic and non-osteoporotic fractures in our cohort. Using the presented method, sensitivity was 100%, specificity was 96%. The positive predictive value (PPV) was 94%. In contrast, by evaluating the Hounsfield units, sensitivity was 94%, specificity 94% and the PPV was 91%. Conclusions: Our method of analysis of the bulging of the dorsal edge fragment in traumatic cranial burst fractures cases allows, in our cases, a simple and valid differentiation between osteoporotic and non-osteoporotic fractures. Further validation in a larger sample, including dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) measurements, is necessary.

Orbital and Foramen Magnum Variables for sex determination in Egyptians using computed Tomographic Images

Introduction: Sex determination is one of the principle indicators of identity. The skull is the second best part of the skeleton to be used for sex determination after the pelvis. Sex determination from cranial fragments becomes essential especially when only a part of the skull is brought for identification. Aim: The present study was aimed to demonstrate the sexual dimorphism of the orbit and the foramen magnum (FM) in a sample of Egyptian population in order to increase the number of parameters used for identification, and by consequence, the accuracy when these parameters are combined with each other. Subjects and Methods: The present study was done on 300 cranial CT scans of known gender, 168 males and 132 females, with age ranged from 18 to 65 years, who presented to the Department of Radiodiagnosis, Menoufia University for head computed tomography (CT) as indicated in the course of their management for diagnostic purpose from January to October 2019. The data were tabulated and statistically analyzed. Results: The results showed that the orbital height, width and index differences between males and females were statistically significant (P < 0.001). Significant difference was also observed in FM transverse diameter, FM anteroposterior diameter and FM area. Tetragonal shape of FM was the most common in both sexes of the study sample. Conclusion: The present study shows that Foramen magnum and orbital variables can be considered along with the other parameters of the skull for sex determination in forensic analysis.

Late Miocene remains from Venta del Moro (Iberian Peninsula) provide further insights on the dispersal of crocodiles across the late Miocene Tethys

AbstractThe dispersal of Crocodylus from Africa to Europe during the Miocene is not well understood. A small collection of cranial fragments and postcranial elements from the latest Miocene (6.2 Ma) site of Venta del Moro (Valencia, Spain) have previously been referred to Crocodylus cf. C. checchiai Maccagno, 1947 without accompanying descriptions. Here we describe and figure for the first time the crocodylian remains from Venta del Moro, which represent at least two individuals. Our comparisons indicate that this material clearly does not belong to Diplocynodon or Tomistoma—the only two other crocodylians described so far for the European late Miocene. The material is only tentatively referred to cf. Crocodylus sp. because the apomorphies of this genus are not preserved and a referral to C. checchiai cannot be supported on a morphological basis. However, it is likely that this late Miocene species, originally described from Libya (As Sahabi) and later identified also in Kenya, could have dispersed across the Mediterranean Basin multiple times and colonized the southern areas of Mediterranean Europe, as evidenced by several Crocodylus or Crocodylus-like remains described during the past years.

Triple Pelvic Osteotomy Fixed with Lag Screw for the Treatment of Pelvic Canal Stenosis in Five Cats.

The aim of this study was to describe the technique and the clinical outcome of cats with obstipation as a result of pelvic canal narrowing, treated using an alternative triple pelvic osteotomy technique. Five cats with obstipation as a result of pelvic canal narrowing due to pelvic fracture malunion or secondary hyperparathyroidism were treated by triple pelvic osteotomy. After performing the iliac osteotomy and medial partial cortical debridement (4/5 cases), the pelvic canal was widened by moving the caudal fragment of the ilium to the lateral aspect of the cranial fragment. The iliac fragments were fixed by a 2.7-mm lag screw (5/5 cases) and an additional 2 Kirschner wires 0.8 mm (1/5 cases). The radiographic examination immediately postoperatively and 8 weeks postoperatively showed a mean pelvic canal enlargement of 20% (range 7-38%). Minor complication occurred in one case; this resolved 15 days postoperatively without any treatment. Complications and recurrence of obstipation did not occur during the final follow-up, ranging between 5 months and 1 year in any of these cases. The use of lag screw fixed triple pelvic osteotomy resulted in widening of the pelvic canal and led to a satisfactory outcome with no major complications. This technique is fast, requires no expensive implants and it is relatively straightforward. Further cases are required to determine the success and complication risk of the procedure.

Morphology of the Semicircular Canals and Locomotion of Zionodon satanus

Zionodon satanus is a relatively large “insectivore” from the Uinta Formation of Utah, known from associated fragmentary dental, cranial, and postcranial elements. Features of the postcrania, particularly the knee and ankle joints, suggest that this species primarily engaged in swift terrestrial locomotion, but with some climbing and digging capability. Among the cranial fragments of Z. satanus are two petrosal bones preserving portions of the bony labyrinth, particularly the semicircular canals, which are known to vary among extant mammals according to locomotor agility, with more agile animals having semicircular canals with a larger radius of curvature than slower ones. Thus, semicircular canal dimensions can provide insight into locomotion independent of postcranial morphology. Here we compare measurements of the semicircular canals of Z. satanus to other extant and extinct mammals to assess the degree of locomotor agility of this species and compare those results to those obtained by functional analysis of the postcrania.The petrosal bones of the type specimen of Z. satanus were microCT scanned and virtual models of the semicircular canals were extracted with AMIRA 6.5.0 software. One petrosal includes a complete posterior and partial lateral semicircular canal, whereas the other preserves a complete lateral, damaged but complete posterior, and most of the anterior semicircular canal. The height and width of each semicircular canal was measured from the extracted surface models and the radius of curvature was calculated from height and width measurements. The average radius of curvature of the semicircular canals of Z. satanus overlaps with extant mammals of similar body size of “fast” or “medium” agility and lies well outside the range of slow‐moving small mammals. Compared to other fossil “insectivores”, Z. satanus has relatively smaller semicircular canals than Leptictidium from the middle Eocene of Messel, Germany, which has been reconstructed as a bipedal runner and saltator, but larger ones than the North American leptictids Paleictops and Leptictis. These results corroborate observations from the postcranial skeleton, suggesting that Z. satanus likely engaged in frequent, rapid locomotion.

The Cro-Magnon babies: Morphology and mortuary implications of the Cro-Magnon immature remains

Although the adult skeletons discovered in 1868 at the Cro-Magnon site (Dordogne, France) have been studied several times, the immature remains known as Cro-Magnon 5 and exhumed at the same time were only analyzed in detail once, some thirty years ago. Since then, doubts have persisted concerning, in particular, the minimum number of immature individuals present in the assemblage. A re-analysis of these immature remains (cranial fragments and long bone diaphyses) documents the presence of three neonates and one older infant in the sample. They are morphologically and metrically similar to recent and Late Pleistocene modern human infants, although the metaphyses of one femur are modestly unusual. They also document an unusual mortuary age profile at Cro-Magnon, with four infants, three older adults, and an additional adult, which raises questions about the manner of selection of individuals deposited in the Cro-Magnon rock-shelter.

CT-scans of pathological cranial fragments from Barmaz II, Neolithic Switzerland: a differential diagnosis

Whilst undertaking a paleoepidemiological study of the neolithic and Bell Beaker culture populations of western Switzerland, a strange case was uncovered in the necropolis of Barmaz II. Individual R16 is only represented by three cranial fragments, two of them appearing grossly misshapen. Under different circumstances, the pathologies might have gone unreported, however since the project within which the analysis took place aimed to record all pathological lesions observed in the populations of neolithic western Switzerland, it seemed amiss not to pursue the case further. With the purpose of bringing a plausible explanation to the lesions observed, CT-scans were carried out, and compared to a healthy anatomical specimen. The results of this investigation are detailed below, as well as the differential diagnosis proposed.