Estimation of Stature Research Papers (original) (raw)

Body size is one of the most important determinants of the biology of a species, as it correlates with life history, energetic expenditure, diet, thermoregulation, and home range size, among other factors. Although the evolution of body size within the genus Homo is an important issue, the most influential large-scale studies have been performed over 20 years ago, with a recent interest in this issue only in the last few years. In the meantime, the widely accepted interpretation that there was a major shift in body size with the origin of Homo ergaster/erectus when compared Homo habilis, Homo rudolfensis, and australopithecines has come under criticism. Recent analyses have demonstrated that body size within early Homo is spatially and temporally variable, only showing significant increase in the Koobi Fora region after 1.7 Mya (Will & Stock, 2015). Broad temporal analyses of body size have highlighted the significant increase in body mass during the late Middle and Late Pleistocene (Ruff, 1997), and that brain size increases correspond closely with body mass increases throughout the Pleistocene (Grabowski, 2016). Even though new body size data is now accumulating rapidly for various parts of the hominin record (Arsuaga et al., 2015; Grabowski et al., 2015; Will & Stock, 2015), no study comparable to the scope of Ruff et al. (1997) has since been performed.
In this paper we investigate taxonomic, spatial and temporal variation in two components of body size within the genus Homo: body mass and stature. We combine size estimates of hominin fossils from our own studies with other published data, resulting in the largest sample for a single study so far (n=319). The body size estimates cover roughly four million years (4.1 Mya – 11 ka) and derive from African, European and Asian specimens, including several genera and species of hominins. This data set allows for a detailed assessment of body size evolution within the genus Homo and relative to earlier hominins.
Analyses of the body size estimates demonstrate that: a) the origins of the genus Homo are characterized by a significant increase in body size compared to australopithecines and paranthropines, but also feature abundant spatial and temporal variation within an enlarged size range; b) members of Homo erectus/ergaster are marked by a diversification in body mass and stature rather than directional increase; c) a consistent and universal increase in body size is only established in Middle Pleistocene hominins (e.g. Sima de los Huesos, Atapuerca; Homo heidelbergensis), Neanderthals and modern humans after ca. 0.5 Mya; d) selection against smaller body mass and stature occurred in the late Early and Middle Pleistocene, and; e) there are no simple latitudinal trends in the variation of body size estimates within Middle and Late Pleistocene Homo in Europe. These results have implications for studies concerned with human dispersal and encephalization, and more generally for how we interpret the evolution and biology of our genus. In light of the above, rather than focusing exclusively on species means and unidirectional models, perspectives that emphasize spatio-temporal variability and phenotypic plasticity might be more fruitful frameworks for interpreting the evolution of body size in our genus.

- by and +1
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- Evolutionary Biology, Anthropology, Biological Anthropology, Human Evolution

Human stature as a measurement for evaluating physical status is used by the World Health Organization (WHO) as well as bioarchaeologists. A reason for this is that only about 80% depends on genetic factors, while 20% depend on the environment. Bad living conditions decrease stature in a population.
Thiis paper aims to make a short review of earlier reports on stature in Late Neolithic–Early Bronze Age Southern Scandinavia and to provide some new data. It is clear that stature in Late Neolithic–Early Bronze Age Scandinavia was very high, equal to modern statures.

Trotter and Gleser’s (1958) Asian equations have most frequently been used for stature estimation of
Korean skeletal remains. However, limitations or caveats in using those equations have rarely been argued. This
study reviews five issues frequently overlooked in applying the equations and interpreting the outcomes.
First, Trotter and Gleser (1958) multiply the standard errors by 2 to obtain the 95% prediction interval (PI).
However, there is discrepancy between their calculation and actual PIs, and thus correct method for PI calculation
is recommended. Secondly, given the uncertainty about the tibia length measurement, there is a possibility that
the tibia-related equations yield biased estimates. Thirdly, since a mathematical error was incorporated in the
development process of the combined equations, caution should be taken. Fourthly, extrapolation may cause
additional unexpected error in applying regression equations. Therefore, it is necessary to check if a target sample
falls within the reference sample range prior to using the equations. Lastly, applying Trotter and Gleser’s (1958)
equations to female samples should be avoided because they produce highly biased estimates.
The issues discussed in this study will contribute to reducing potential errors associated with application of
these equations, and eventually enhancing accuracy of the final stature estimates. If errors are anticipated but
unavoidable, discussions about the potential errors should be made to minimize misunderstanding about the
outcomes.

- by Yangseung Jeong
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- Estimation of Stature

The aim of this paper is to present the current state of the research done on the population buried in two excavated necropolises in the region of Lucena (Córdoba, Spain): the late antiquity necropolis of “Cortijo Coracho” (4th – 8th centuries A.D.) and the medieval necropolis of Jewish origin “Ronda Sur” (10th – 1 1th centuries A.D.)
Several paleodemographic analyses have been applied to these remains whose results have allowed us to make a comparison between the two of them and also with other Iberian populations. All these results show that the quality of life of the Jewish medieval population of Lucena was higher than the one of the previous ages (Hispano-roman); higher than the quality of life of other medieval peninsular populations, either Muslim or Christian –and even higher than modern ones-; and equivalent to contemporary populations in some aspects.
Biometric studies have been carried out, including an estimation of the stature, as well as an analysis of clusters; all of them applied to the population of the late antiquity necropolis of “Cortijo Coracho”, fundamentally. It can be inferred from them that the slenderness of the late antiquity population, regarding particularly the sample of feminine individuals, relates them to populations of Hispano-Roman origin. However, the sample of men presents certain heterogeneity in its composition, which would imply the possible existence of masculine individuals of robust type in the same population, less slender than those of Hispano-Roman origin, who perhaps may have a Visigoth origin. For this reason the main initial hypothesis, according to which this population would be totally Hispano-Roman, is rejected, at least with the present data.

This study aims to develop Korean specific equations for stature estimation and compare their performance to previous techniques. Due to a lack of appropriate reference sample in Korea, equations were generated using the hybrid method on 113 Korean unknown skeletons. In the hybrid method, estimates using the anatomical method [1] were regarded as actual stature. Results revealed that new equations produced more accurate and precise estimates than previous techniques. In addition, due to consistent body proportions of the Korean populations through time and space, new equations are applicable to any Korean skeletons regardless of their temporal and geographic origins. For obtaining statures at death, particularly in a forensic context, an age correction factor, 0.0426 cm/year, should be applied.

- by Yangseung Jeong and +1
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- Forensic Anthropology, Korean Studies, Estimation of Stature

La nécropole mérovingienne de Torgny comporte plus de 400 sépultures datant des VIe et VIIe siècles AD. Les
statures ont été estimées sur base de 93 fémurs et 70 tibias entiers à I'aide des équations de Trotter et Gleser (1952)
et Olivier et al. (1978). Pour 334 ossements fragmentaires, les auteurs proposent de nouvelles équations de régression
permettant de calculer la longueur totale de I'os à partir des dimensions de ses fragments. La prédiction s'est avérée
meilleure pour les fémurs que pour les tibias. Les estimations de la stature moyenne ne diffèrent pas significativement
selon gu'on utilise les fémurs et/ou les tibias, qu'ils soient entiers ou fragmentaires. Les tailles obtenues par la méthode
de Trotter et Gleser sont étroitement corrélées avec celles obtenues par la méthode d'Olivier et al., mais sont plus
élevées. Comparativement à d'autres populations méiévales et actuelles et quelle que soit la méthode ulilisée, les
individus de Torgny se différencient par une taille élevee (hommes : 175 ou 171 cm; femmes : 165 ou 162 cm), et par
un faible dimorphisme sexuel sous ce rapport (9,3 à 11,0 cm).

En la investigacion antropologica, el tema de la talla humana ha cobrado in teres como parametro de importancia en log estudios de evolucion, variedad humana y nutricion. Su evaluacion y comparacion se basa en el supuesto de que la estatura refleja aspectos relacionados con la composicion y afiliacion poblacional, derivadas de lag propiedades geneticas.

- by Vera Tiesler
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- Bioarchaeology, Maya Archaeology, Estimation of Stature

A B S T R A C T Height cannot always be measured directly, hence the need for height estimation formulae. This study presents two new linear regression equations for estimating height from tibial length among Maya populations. Body height and percutaneous tibial length were measured in two living Maya samples from the state of Yucatan, Mexico. The first sample comprises 100 adults (63 females and 37 males) from the community of Dzemul, (Group 1) and the second sample comprises 71 adults (26 females and 45 males) from the city of Mérida (Group 2). A linear regression model equation was then adjusted to estimate height from tibia length for each group. These models were then compared using 95% confidence intervals for the estimated variables. No differences were observed between the equations at this interval. Thus, both equations appear adequate for estimating body height from tibia length in contemporary Yucatecan populations. While the formula of Group 1 is applicable also to bioarcheological studies, the formula of Group 2 is more appropriate for studies in living populations.

- by Vera Tiesler and +2
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- Mayan Studies, Estimation of Stature, Body Height

Antimeric leg length asymmetry is often encountered in forensic anthropological casework. Guidance is provided regarding how to estimate stature when asymmetry is present to avoid inaccurate stature estimates and erroneous exclusion of a... more

- by Megan E . Ingvoldstad, PhD, D-ABFA and +1
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- Estimation of Stature

Body mass (BM) and furthermore body mass index (BMI) are well-known proxies used in medicine as a diagnostic tool to identify
weight problems, health risks, and to assess biological standards of living within populations. The prediction of body mass (BM) from
skeletal material is still challenging, although many studies have indicated that BM can be estimated from human skeletal remains
and results have been acquired from early hominines. The present paper applies BM estimation formulae (Auerbach and Ruff 2004,
Grine et al. 1995, McHenry 1992, Ruff et al. 1991) to skeletal populations from Switzerland (5th–15th c. AD; 291 males, 221 females) with the aim to reconstruct the BM and the BMI within a specific geographical and temporal setting. Correlation between the robusticity of the lower limbs in terms of external bone dimensions with BM and BMI were tested. Parameters such as sex and age were considered. The method of Auerbach and Ruff (2004) offered the most reliable results. The mean body weight and the BMI for males was estimated 71.7 kg (s.d. 6.4) and 26.0 (s.d. 2.3), and for females 59.0 kg (s.d. 5.5) and 24.8 (s.d. 2.3) respectively. External bone dimension were highly correlated to body weight in males and females suggesting the strong correlation between biomechanical loading and long bone shape and size. The BMI was slightly increasing from adult to mature and slightly diminishing afterwards.

La estimacion de la estatura a partir de los huesos largos de las extremidades, asi como la estimacion de sexo, edad y afinidad biologica en series esqueleticas, son fundamentales en toda investigacion, dentro del ambito de la osteologia antropologica y la antropologia fisica forense. Para estimar la estatura en restos oseos humanos se han creado diversas ecuaciones de regresion lineal alrededor del mundo, sin embargo, para la poblacion mexicana se han desarrollado y probado pocos trabajos. Con el objetivo de validar la aplicacion en poblacion mexicana contemporanea, en este trabajo se compararon las propuestas de Pearson, Trotter y Gleser, Genoves y Del Angel y Cisneros. Se midieron las longitudes maximas de los huesos largos (humero, ulna, radio, femur, tibia y fibula) del lado izquierdo de 164 individuos adultos pertenecientes a la Coleccion Osea de la Seccion de Antropologia Fisica del Departamento de Anatomia de la Facultad de Medicina de la Universidad Nacional Autonoma de Mex...

- by Antinea Menéndez G.
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- History, Forensic Anthropology, Estimation of Stature, Anthropologie

La estimación de la estatura a partir de los huesos largos de las extremidades, asi como la estimación de sexo, edad y afinidad biológica en series esqueléticas, son fundamentales en toda investigación, dentro del ámbito de la osteología antropológica y la antropología física forense. Para estimar la estatura en restos óseos humanos se han creado diversas ecuaciones de regresión lineal alrededor del mundo, sin embargo, para la población mexicana se han desarrollado y probado pocos trabajos. Con el objetivo de validar la aplicación en población mexicana contemporánea, en este trabajo se compararon las propuestas de Pearson, Trotter y Gleser, Genovés y Del Ángel y Cisneros. Se midieron las longitudes máximas de los huesos largos (húmero, ulna, radio, fémur, tibia y fíbula) del lado izquierdo de 164 individuos adultos pertenecientes a la Colección Ósea de la Sección de Antropología Física del Departamento de Anatomía de la Facultad de Medicina de la Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México. Tras la aplicación y comparación de las ecuaciones, los resultados indican que las cuatro ecuaciones utilizadas en este trabajo, subestiman la estatura de los esqueletos analizados, que pertenecen a población mexicana contemporánea.

- by Antinea Menéndez G.
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- Forensic Anthropology, Estimation of Stature

Stature estimation is central dogma in Anthropo – forensic examinations. It aids in Personal identification of individuals. The purpose of this paper is to study hand outlines as an evidence to predict stature. The study was carried out at Udaipur district, Rajasthan. The samples were collected from males and females of Bhil – a schedule tribe within age groups ranged from 18 – 60 years. This study examines measurements taken from 204 adult subjects (91 male; 113 female). Various anthropometric measurements were used such as Stature, Right & Left Hand Length, Right & Left Hand Breadth, Right & Left Hand length from outlines, Right & Left Hand Breadth from outlines. The results were analyzed statistically using SPSS 20.0 software program. Statistical analysis revealed that sex differences were found to be significant for all measurements at p< 0.01 by Student's t-test. Pearson's correlation was found to be statistically significant between stature and all the variables for both males and females. Linear regression equations were calculated with a standard error of estimate (SEE) ranged from ±4.71 cm to ±5.32 cm for males and from ±4.61 cm to ± 5.80 cm for females. In terms of outlines SEE ranged from ±4.80 cm to ±5.32 cm for males and from ±4.84 cm to ±5.80 cm among females. It is evident from the study that measurements taken from hand outlines can better predict stature with a minimum error of estimate difference 0.52 among Bhil males and 0.96 among females. Thus, it was concluded that stature can be determined successfully using hand outline as a parameter. This will give a new perspective and dimension in the field of forensic anthropology and forensic Science by which the stature can be predicted. It was suggested that more studies are needed in this direction for future perspective.

- by Sangeeta Dey and +1
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- Estimation of Stature

Reconstructing stature is at the core of providing information on unidentified human remains. This research shows that there are significant differences between modern populations and those used to create the most common stature estimation formulae. New formulae for the femur and fibula in males and females were created to provide accurate estimates for modern forensic cases. Additionally, a novel measurement of the femur is shown to be moderately correlated with stature and stature estimation formulae for this measurement are included.

Individual stature depends on multifactorial causes and is often used as a proxy for investigating the biological standard of living. While the majority of European studies on 19th and 20th century populations are based on conscript heights, stature derived from skeletal remains are scarce. For the first time in Denmark this study makes a comparison between skeletal stature and contemporary Danish conscript heights and investigates stature of males and females temporally and between socially distinct individuals and populations in 19th and early 20th century Copenhagen. A total of 357 individuals (181 males, 176 females) excavated at the Assistens cemetery
in Copenhagen is analyzed. Two stature regression formulae (Trotter, 1970; Boldsen, 1990) are applied using femur measurements and evaluated compared to conscript heights. The results indicate that mean male stature using Boldsen follows a similar trend as the Danish conscript heights and that Trotter overestimate stature by ca. 6 cm over Boldsen. At an
inter population level statistically significant differences in male stature are observed between first and second half of the 19th century towards a slight stature decrease and larger variation while there are no significant changes observed in female stature. There are insignificant differences in stature between middle and high class individuals, but male stature differs statistically between cemeteries (p = 0.000) representing middle/high class, paupers and navy employees, respectively. Female stature had no significant wealth gradient (p = 0.516). This study provides new evidence of stature among males and
females during the 19th century and suggests that males may have been more sensitive to changes in environmental living and nutrition than females.

- by Marie Louise Jørkov
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- History, Epidemiology, Physical Anthropology, Human Biology

Stature has proved to be a complex trait with a great potential to provide anthropologists with valuable information.
This review begins with analyzing in what matter do genetic heritability and the environment influence adult
height and it continues with a discussion about the four known methods for calculating stature: skeleton length in the
grave, anatomical and mathematical methods, and sample specific regressions. The aim of this article is to emphasize the
necessity to correctly acknowledge all the parameters that influence adult height, and consequently the way in which it is
determined. Thus, we review the key theoretical debates and methodological advances in the estimation of stature.

- by Claudia Radu and +1
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- Bioarchaeology, Physical Anthropology, Estimation of Stature

Objective: This study was an attempt to formulate a linear regression equation for estimation of stature by
measuring the ulnar length in living adult Nepalese population. Materials and Methods: The material consists
of 600 subjects between 25 and 40 years of age in Biratnagar, Bharatpur and Bhairahawa, eastern, middle
and mid-western region of Nepal respectively. The left and right ulnar length was measured from the tip of
the olecranon process to the tip of the styloid process by a spreading caliper. The stature was measured in
anatomical position while standing barefooted with standard height measuring instrument. The documented data
were calculated by the standard statistical software. Result: The parameters were tabulated and statistically
analyzed. A fine correlation of stature with ulnar length was observed, which was found to be statistically
significant. Conclusion: The length of ulna provides an accurate and reliable means in estimating the height
of an individual and being almost a percutaneous bone its length can be measured easily. The regression
formulae, which were derived in this study, will be useful for clinicians, human anatomists, archeologists,
anthropologists, and forensic experts.

- by Dr. Abhishek Karn
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- Forensic Anthropology, Nepal, Estimation of Stature

Aprds un historique sur les decouvertes de sepulfures collectives dans les grottes du bassin mosan, les auteurs prdsentent les acquis sur l'anthropologie et la chronologie des squelettes qui y ont 6te mis au jour. On totalise plusieurs centaines de sujets du N6olithique (essentiellement recent) contre une soixantaine de M6solithiques. Les 6tudes biometriques men6es jusqu'i present sont ponctuelles et concernent surtout la (petite) taille des N6olithiques ainsi que leurs proportions faciales, particulidres. Les nouvelles approches par la biog6ochimie, la description des usures dentaires et l'6tude des marqueurs osseux d'activit6 s'avdrent prometteuses pour reconstituer les regimes alimentaires et les comportements de ces populations anciennes. Un premier bilan des pathologies montre globalement un bon 6tat sanitaire. Enfin, les pratiques funeraires ont sOrement 6te vari6es et complexes.

- by caroline polet and +2
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- Prehistoric Archaeology, Biological Anthropology, Stable Isotope Analysis, Paleopathology

ABSTRAK Kajian ini dijalankan untuk membentuk formula demi menganggar ketinggian tubuh badan dan menentukan jantina dengan menggunakan panjang dan lebar kaki. Seramai 150 orang subjek yang berumur 20-30 tahun diambil dari Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia Kampus Kuala Lumpur (UKMKKL). Subjek tersebut adalah Melayu (45 lelaki dan 45 perempuan) dan Cina (30 lelaki dan 30 perempuan). Ketinggian, panjang dan lebar kaki diukur menggunakan alatan antropometrik dalam ukuran milimeter. Hasil statistik menunjukkan bahawa pelbagai ukuran kaki kanan dan kiri tidak mempunyai perbezaan yang signifikan (Panjang kaki/FL: t(298) =-0.235, p = 0.815; Lebar kaki/FW: t(298) = 0.932, p = 0.352). Perbezaan yang signifikan pada semua ukuran pula dapat dilihat pada jantina (Tinggi/S: t(148) = 12.550, p < 0.05; FL:t(148) = 11.692, p < 0.05; FW:t(148) = 8.321, p < 0.05). Bagi kaum, ketinggian tubuh badan kaum Cina adalah lebih tinggi berbanding kaum Melayu secara signifikan (t(148) =-3.103, p < 0.05) tetapi tiada perbezaan yang signifikan diperhatikan pada ukuran kaki (FL: t(148) = 0.002, p = 0.999; FW:t(148) = 1.362, p = 0.175). Korelasi yang paling tinggi telah ditunjukkan antara ketinggian tubuh badan dengan panjang kaki pada semua kumpulan. Analisis Regresi Garis Lurus dan Regresi Berganda telah digunakan untuk membentuk formula menganggar ketinggian tubuh badan. Walau bagaimanapun, didapati formula yang dibentuk dari Regresi Berganda adalah lebih tepat kerana kombinasi panjang dan lebar kaki menghasilkan korelasi koefisen yang lebih tinggi dalam semua formula (S = 585.298+(4.898xFL)-(1.453xFW), F(2,149 = 149.324, p < 0.01, R 2 = 0.670). Formula untuk penentuan jantina juga telah dibina menggunakan Analisis Pokok Klasifikasi. Keputusan menunjukkan ketepatan untuk menentukan jantina seseorang adalah di antara 86.3-87.5% bagi perempuan dan 85.2-85.7% bagi lelaki dengan menggunakan panjang kaki manakala di antara 68.4-76.8% bagi perempuan dan 77.8-81.0% bagi lelaki dengan menggunakan lebar kaki. ABSTRACT The aim of this study was to develop formulae for stature and sex estimation using foot length and foot width. A total of 150 subjects ranging in age from 20 to 30 years were recruited from Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia Kampus Kuala Lumpur (UKMKKL). The subjects were Malays (45 males and 45 females) and Chinese (30 males and 30 females). Stature, foot length and foot width were measured using anthropometric instruments in millimetres. Statistical analysis indicated that bilateral variation of various lengths was insignificant for all the foot measurements (Foot length/FL: t(298) =-0.235, p = 0.815; Foot width/FW: t(298) = 0.932, p = 0.352). Sex differences were found to be highly significant for all the measurements (Stature/S: t(148) = 12.550, p < 0.05; FL:t(148) = 11.692, p < 0.05; FW:t(148) = 8.321, p < 0.05). Stature was highly significant in Chinese rather than Malay (t(148) =-3.103, p < 0.05) but no significant differences were found in all the foot measurements (FL: t(148) = 0.002, p = 0.999; FW:t(148) = 1.362, p = 0.175). The highest correlation was found between stature and foot length in all groups. Linear and Multiple Regression Analysis were used to develop formulae for stature estimation. However, the latter was found to be more accurate as the correlation coefficient was highest in the combination of foot length and foot width in all the formulae (S = 585.298+(4.898xFL)-(1.453xFW), F(2,149 = 149.324, p < 0.01, R 2 = 0.670). Formulae for sex estimation were obtained by using the Classification Tree Analysis. Result had indicated that sex estimation formulae can help to determine the sex with 86.3-87.5% accuracy in females and 85.2-85.7% accuracy in males by using foot length while the accuracy is 68.4-76.8% in females and 77.8-81.0% in males by using foot width.

- by Noor Hazfalinda Hamzah
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- Anthropology, Forensic Science, Estimation of Stature

Estimating stature in human skeletal remains of Asian ancestry is problematic for forensic anthropologists due to the paucity and uncertain suitability of regression formulae. To address this issue, our study analyzed 64 individuals from a modern skeletal collection of South-East Asian origin and developed population-specific ordinary least squares regression formulae to estimate skeletal height from each of the long bones of the upper and lower limbs, as well as from trunk length. Results indicate that the most accurate estimates of skeletal height from a single bone (as measured by standard error of the estimate-SEE) are from tibial length in males (SEE = 2.40 cm) and from humeral length in females (SEE = 2.59 cm), followed by femoral length (SEE = 2.84 cm). When multiple elements are considered, the combination of femoral and tibial length yields the best estimates in both sexes as well as combined sex samples (male SEE = 2.40 cm; female SEE = 2.77 cm; combined sex SEE = 2.54 cm).

Stature estimation is a standard procedure in the fields of forensic and biological anthropology, bioarchaeology and paleoanthropology, in order to gain biological insights into the individuals/populations studied. The most accurate stature estimation method is based on anatomical reconstruction (i.e., the
Fully method), followed by type I regression equations (e.g., ordinary least squares – OLS) based on long bones, preferably from the lower limb. In some cases, due to the fragmentary nature of the osseous material recovered, stature estimates have to rely on other elements, such as foot remains. In this study, we explore stature estimation based on different foot bones: the talus, calcaneus, and metatarsals 1–4 in Afro- and Euroamericans of both sexes. The approach undertaken in this study is novel for two reasons. First, individual estimates for each bone are provided, and tarsals and metatarsals are combined in order to obtain more accurate estimates. Second, robust statistical methods based on type I regression equations are used, namely least trimmed squares (LTS). Our results show that the best individual bones
for estimating stature are the first and second metatarsal and both the talus and the calcaneus. The combination of a tarsal and a metatarsal bone slightly improves the accuracy of the stature estimate.

- by Adrián Pablos
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- Estimation of Stature, Calcaneus, Metatarsal, Talus Bone

This poster includes the description and differential diagnosis of a probable pituitary dwarf from a Third Intermediate Period cemetery from Ain Tirghi in the Dakhleh Oasis, Egypt. The skeleton is an adult female estimated to be in the third decade of life. Most medical literature defines a variation of 2 standard deviations below the population mean as an indicator for clinically short stature, with some identifying severe short stature at 3 standard deviations from the population mean. Some bioarchaeologists have chosen not to make this distinction, and prefer to use only the more cautious level of 3 standard deviations to designate shortness. In any case, the individual at Ain Tirghi presents a difference satisfying either criteria when compared with the adult female population mean for measurements of the radii and femora, as well as the summed measurements of the femora and tibiae. Through further calculations, it was revealed that her limb proportions fell within the normal range. Normal proportions and a lack of morphological abnormality were also observed through macroanalysis of the skeletal remains. Consequently, conditions leading to disproportionate short stature could be ruled out. A differential diagnosis for an individual with short stature, normal proportions and a lack of osteoporosis indicates this individual likely represents a unique case of pituitary dwarfism, or hypopituitarism, in the Egyptian archaeological record.

- by Casey L Kirkpatrick and +1
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- Paleopathology, Egypt, Estimation of Stature, Ancient Egypt

GAJARDO, P.; GAJARDO, M.; TORRES, S.; ZAVANDO, D. & SUAZO, G. I. Determinación de la estatura a partir del arco y radio-cuerda maxilar. Int. J. Odontostomat., 5(3):267-269, 2011.

- by dayssi villa
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- Estimation of Stature

The existence of calcanei in the fossil record prior to modern humans and Neandertals is very scarce. This skeletal element is fundamental to understanding the evolution of the morphology of the foot in human evolution. Here we present and metrically and comparatively describe 29 calcaneus remains from the Middle Pleistocene site of Sima de los Huesos (SH) (Sierra de Atapuerca, Burgos, Spain). These calcanei belong to 15 individuals (nine adults, two adolescents and four immature individuals). The metric and morphological differences in the calcanei among Middle and Late Pleistocene hominins tend to be subtle. However, the calcanei from SH are broad and robust with large articular surfaces and most significantly, exhibit a very projected sustentaculum tali. A biomechanical and phylogenetic interpretation is proffered to explain the observed morphology of these calcanei. It has been possible to propose tentative sex assignments for the SH calcanei based on size, using methods similar...

- by Ignacio Martínez and +3
- •
- Evolutionary Biology, Archaeology, Anthropology, Human Evolution

Objectives: Previous studies have demonstrated the need for regionally specific stature estimation formulae due to the geographical specificity of limb proportional-ity related to the effects of environmental pressures on growth and development. High-altitude Andean populations have often been neglected in the creation of these formulae. This study uses a hybrid approach to create linear regression formulae for stature estimation and test their accuracy when compared previously published formulae traditionally used in Andean bioarchaeology. Materials and Methods: We studied a sample from a high-altitude Andean population to create linear regression formulae based on anatomical estimates of stature from the femur, tibia, and calcaneus and compare the newly created formulae with those traditionally employed in Andean bioarchaeology. We also examine the reliability of calcanei in stature estimation by creating and testing regression formulae based on metrics from that element. Results: We include specific formulae accurate to within 1 cm of anatomical stature estimates using femoral, tibial, and calcaneal metrics. These formulae provide estimates that are closer to anatomical stature than those traditionally used in the Andes. ANOVA results were statistically significant for differences between Andean-derived and Mesoamerican-derived formulae. Discussion: Although regionally proximate (mid-altitude) formulae provide estimates approximating population-specific formulae, those created from geographically distant populations from sites at or near sea-level are inappropriate in high-altitude studies. Like some previous studies on stature, we found that the most accurate estimates were based on the tibia rather than the femur and that the calcaneus can be used reliably in stature estimation when no other element is present or measurable. K E Y W O R D S anatomical stature, calcaneus, Chachapoya, growth and development, pooled sex stature estimation, regression analysis

- by J. Marla Toyne and +1
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- Bioarchaeology, Andean Archaeology, Skeletal Biology, Chachapoyas

Prediction of stature in forensic medicine and anthropology is one of the most important tools in forensic identification. This study is aimed at generating group–specific stature equations that produce the most accurate results. The study was conducted on 140 cadavers (78 males, 62 females) of ages ranging from 18 to 50 years. Ulna and tibia lengths of the cadavers, as well as body height, were measured using two different methods. Values of ulna and tibia were classified into three groups; long ulna/tibia, medium ulna/tibia, and short ulna/tibia, by using 15th and 85th percentile values as cut-off points, and then least square regression equa-tions were generated for each group. The results of these bone length sensitive formulae are compared with the results obtained using the classical general formula. Comparisons high-light that group-specific formulae give more accurate results than those of general the formula making them better suited to estimation of stature versus than the general formula in forensic cases.

- by Izzet Duyar
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- Forensic Anthropology, Estimation of Stature, Tibia, Ulna

- by Adrián Pablos
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- Human Evolution, Estimation of Stature, Atapuerca, Middle Pleistocene

"Anthropologists require methods for accurately estimating stature and body mass from the human
skeleton. Age-structured, generalized Least Squares (LS) regression formulas have been developed to
predict stature from femoral length and to predict body mass in immature human remains using the
width of the distal metaphysis, midshaft femoral geometry (J), and femoral head diameter. This paper
tests the hypothesis that panel regression is an appropriate statistical method for regression modeling of
longitudinal growth data, with longitudinal and cross-sectional effects on variance. Reference data were
derived from the Denver Growth Study; panel regression was used to create one formula for estimating
stature (for individuals 0.5e11.5 years old); two formulas for estimating body mass from the femur in
infants and children (0.5e12.5 years old); and one formula for estimating body mass from the femoral
head in older subadults (7e17 years old). The formulas were applied to an independent target sample
of cadavers from Franklin County, Ohio and a large sample of immature individuals from diverse global
populations. Results indicate panel regression formulas accurately estimate stature and body mass in
immature skeletons, without reference to an independent estimate for age at death. Thus, using panel
regression formulas to estimate stature and body mass in forensic and archaeological specimens may
reduce second stage errors associated with inaccurate age estimates."

The cemetery of the Vinařice Group in Prague-Zličín, Hrozenkovská St., belonging to the earlier phase of the Migration Period, represents with 173 documented inhumation graves the largest graveyard of this epoch in Bohemia and one of the largest in Central Europe. Its dating into the 5th century AD is grounded on brooches, buckles, glass vessels, ceramics, different fittings and other metal objects. A belt buckle, a brooch and some other objects indicate an end around 500 AD. The character of the finds suggests a supra-regional importance of the cemetery and cultural relations to Gaul, the Rhineland and the regions along the Danube as well as to the North Sea. Nearly all graves show traces of secondary openings in the same period. A special benefit of the excavation lies in the documentation of niches with ceramic and glass vessels, which are counted as typical of the Vinařice group. The analysis of the considerable material has just begun and will probably take a longer time. The m...

- by Milan Kuchařík
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- Archaeology, Anthropology, Bioarchaeology, Early Medieval Archaeology

Stature is a measurable feature of the body, useful in human identification, which may include or exclude an individual from a missing persons list. The aim of this study is to analyze the Carrea´s index for stature estimation in dental arches with normal dentition, crowding and diastema. Plaster casts of 51 students of the Federal University of Paraíba were analyzed. Each hemiarch was divided according to the dental position, and the elements were measured with divider and digital calipers. Considering the normal and crowded dentition, the Carrea´s index presented a satisfactory success percentage, between 72.2% and 95.2%, with no statistically significant difference between sexes or between right and left sides. The presence of diastema reduced the number of matches to less than 62.5%. It was concluded that the Carrea´s index is a reliable method for height estimation in arches with normal and crowded dentitions, useful in males and females, and in the right and left sides. Howeve...

- by RACHEL LIMA TINOCO
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- Forensic Anthropology, Anthropometry, Dental Anthropology, Adolescent

We made an anthropological analysis of 95 individuals buried in Neolithic settlement objects in Moravia, 58 of them belonged to the Linear Pottery Culture (LPC, 5700–5000 BC), 13 to the Stroked Pottery Culture (SPC, 5000–4700 BC), and 24 to the Moravian Painted Pottery Culture (MPPC, 4700–4500 BC). To determine sex and age, standard anthropological methods were used. In the LPC, there are more children than adults, and more women than men. The SPC skeletons are often in bad state of preservation, on that account more than a third of the skeletons couldn’t be determined anthropologically; in the rest, proportions of both sexes are equal. Individuals of the MPPC buried in settlements are more frequently adults than children, more women than men were found in this group. Metric evaluation of skulls didn’t found out any significant differences among cultures and sexes, but it’s not possible to generalise this suggestion because of the bad state of preservation of the osteological material. Postcranial measurements showed that body height of both men and women fell – men and women of LPC were the tallest and of MPPC the smallest group.

- by Martina Fojtová and +1
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- Biological Anthropology, Linear Pottery Culture, Estimation of Stature, Palaeodemography

Adult stature variation is commonly attributed to differential stress-levels during development. However, due to selective mortality and heterogeneous frailty, a population's tall stature may be more indicative of high selective pressures than of positive life conditions. This article examines stature in a biocultural context and draws parallels between bioarchaeological and living populations to explore the multidimensionality of stature variation in the past. This study investigates: 1) stature differences between archaeological populations exposed to low or high stress (inferred from skeletal indicators); 2) similarities in growth retardation patterns between archaeological and living groups; and 3) the apportionment of variance in growth outcomes at the regional level in archaeological and living populations. Anatomical stature estimates were examined in relation to skeletal stress indicators (cribra orbitalia, porotic hyperostosis, linear enamel hypoplasia) in two medieval bioarchaeological populations. Stature and biocultural information were gathered for comparative living samples from South America. Results indicate 1) significant (P < 0.01) differences in stature between groups exposed to different levels of skeletal stress; 2) greater prevalence of stunting among living groups, with similar patterns in socially stratified archaeological and modern groups; and 3) a degree of regional variance in growth outcomes consistent with that observed for highly selected traits. The relationship between early stress and growth is confounded by several factors-including catch-up growth, cultural buffering, and social inequality. The interpretations of early life conditions based on the relationship between stress and stature should be advanced with caution.

- by B. Piperata
- •
- Evolutionary Biology, Geography, Archaeology, Anthropology

El estudio del cambio en la talla del ser humano abarca tanto poblaciones
contemporáneas como pasadas. Diversos autores han argumentado que para las
poblaciones mayas, la tendencia ha sido a la disminución de los promedios de la
estatura estimada. Estos estudios a menudo presentan inconsistencias
metodológicas que ponen en duda la interpretación de los datos. El presente
trabajo se propuso corroborar esta hipótesis mediante la comparación entre una
población arqueológica y una contemporánea, tomando como variables comunes la
longitud de la tibia y la talla real y estimada. La población contemporánea estuvo
representada por habitantes del poblado contemporáneo de Dzemul, a quienes se
midió la longitud de la tibia y la talla. Para la medición de la longitud de tibia de la
población arqueológica, se emplearon materiales óseos provenientes del sitio de
Xcambó, Yucatán, del periodo Clásico (350 d.C.-700 d.C.)

- by Saul Aaron Chay Vela
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- Bioarchaeology, Anthropometry, Estimation of Stature

In forensic work, it is important to be able to estimate body height from a variety of bones. It is well known that estimates based on upper limb long bone measurements are highly accurate. This report describes an equation devised for height estimation in the Turkish population based on ulna length, and compares the results with ulna-based formulae developed for several other populations. Anthropometric measurements were recorded for 254 healthy male subjects aged 18-45 years. The subjects were randomly divided into equal-sized study and control groups. A population-specific formula for height was created based on ulna length of the subjects in the study group. This formula and 14 other formulae reported in the literature were applied to the control group and the mean estimation errors were statistically compared. Analyses indicated that the population-specific equation gave the most accurate results. In addition, the formula devised by Trotter and Gleser for Mongoloids has yielded more reliable results than other for-mulae. The Trotter-Gleser formulae for whites are the ones most frequently used in Turkey today; however, these equations do not yield reliable height estimates for our population.

- by Izzet Duyar
- •
- Forensic Anthropology, Estimation of Stature, Stature
- by caroline polet
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- Prehistoric Archaeology, Biological Anthropology, Biometry, Neolithic Europe

Zusammenfassung: Das völkerwanderungszeitliche Gräberfeld in Prag-Zličín, Tschechische Republik Das Gräberfeld der Vinařicer-Gruppe aus der älteren Phase der Völkerwanderungszeit in Prag-Zličín, Hrozenkovská Straße, ist mit 173 erfassten Körpergräbern das größte Gräberfeld dieser Epoche in Böhmen und eines der größten in Mitteleuropa. Die Datierung der Fundstelle in das 5. Jahrhundert n. Chr. wurde anhand von Fibeln, Schnallen, Glasbechern, Keramik, verschiedenen Beschlägen und weiteren Kleinfunden aus Metall vorgenommen. Eine Gürtelschnalle, eine Fibel und einige andere Gegenstände deuten auf ein Ende um 500 n. Chr. Der Charakter der Funde belegt eine überregionale Bedeutung des Gräberfeldes und deutet auf Kulturbeziehungen zu Gallien, dem Rhein- und Donaugebiet sowie zum Nordseeraum hin. Fast alle Gräber weisen Spuren sekundärer Graböffnung in derselben Periode auf. Ein besonderes Verdienst der Ausgrabung liegt in der Dokumentation von Nischen mit Keramik- und Glasgefäßen, die als ein wichtiges Merkmal der Vinařicer-Gruppe gelten. Die Bearbeitung des umfangreichen Fundmaterials steht erst am Anfang und wird vorraussichtlich längere Zeit in Anspruch nehmen. Die metallographischen und andere technologische Analysen wie anthropologisch-biologische, dendrologisch- und chronologischen Untersuchungen sowie die Erstellung eines GIS-Modells für das gesamte Gräberfeld sind in Planung. Summary: The Migration Period Burial Site in Prague-Zličín, Czech Republic The cemetery of the Vinařice Group in Prague-ZličÍn, Hrozenkovská St., belonging to the earlier phase of the Migration Period, represents with 173 documented inhumation graves the largest graveyard of this epoch in Bohemia and one of the largest in Central Europe. Its dating into the 5th century AD is grounded on brooches, buckles, glass vessels, ceramics, different fittings and other metal objects. A belt buckle, a brooch and some other objects indicate an end around 500 AD. The character of the finds suggests a supra-regional importance of the cemetery and cultural relations to Gaul, the Rhineland and the regions along the Danube as well as to the North Sea. Nearly all graves show traces of secondary openings in the same period. A special benefit of the excavation lies in the documentation of niches with ceramic and glass vessels, which are counted as typical of the Vinařice group. The analysis of the considerable material has just begun and will probably take a longer time. The metallographic as well as anthropological-biological, dendrological and chronological analysis and the establishment of a GIS model of the whole cemetery are planned.

Human stature as a measurement for evaluating physical status is used by the World Health Organiza-tion (WHO) as well as bioarchaeologists. The reason for this is that only about 80% depends on genetic factors, while 20% depend on the environment. Bad living conditions decrease stature in a population. This paper aims to make a short review of earlier reports on stature in Late Neolithic–Early Bronze Age Southern Scandinavia and to provide some new data. It is clear that stature in Late Neolithic–Early Bronze Age Scandinavia was very high, equal to modern statures.

- by Anna Tornberg
- •
- Geography, Bioarchaeology, Estimation of Stature, Early Bronze Age Archaeology

Summary Body mass (BM) and furthermore body mass index (BMI) are well-known proxies used in medicine as a diagnostic tool to identify weight problems, health risks, and to assess biological standards of living within populations. The... more

- by Frank Siegmund
- •
- Physical Anthropology, Estimation of Stature, Human Osteology

La talla en restos humanos de poblaciones arqueológicas representa un importante indicador general de la salud. Los enfoques para la estimación de talla son el anatómico y el matemático. El anatómico es considerado más exacto y no conlleva problemas de variabilidad interpoblacional, aunque su empleo se encuentra limitado por la necesidad de contar con una alta completitud esqueletal. El enfoque matemático, en cambio, utiliza ecuaciones de regresión que requieren la longitud de uno o más huesos largos. Sin embargo, se ha detectado alta variación en la relación entre la estatura real y los segmentos utilizados para estimarla. En Patagonia Austral, no existen fórmulas específicas para estas poblaciones, lo cual resulta en una baja comparabilidad de resultados y dificulta su selección al momento de estimar la talla. El objetivo de este trabajo es identificar qué fórmulas predicen con mayor exactitud la talla en relación con las estimaciones del método anatómico. Los resultados indican que la mayoría de las fórmulas matemáticas proporcionan resultados similares a los resultados obtenidos con la fórmula anatómica. Además, para ambos sexos las fórmulas con mayor coeficiente de determinación tienden a agruparse de acuerdo con el o los huesos requeridos. Las estimaciones de talla más exactas corresponden principalmente a aquellas que emplean el fémur.

- by Rodrigo Zúñiga Thayer and +1
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- Bioarchaeology, Quantitative methodology, Archaeology of Health, Hunter-Gatherer Archaeology
- by Samantha Tipper and +1
- •
- Bioarchaeology, Paleopathology, Osteology, Physical Anthropology

Stature is a measurable feature of the body, useful in human identification, which may include or exclude an individual from a missing persons list. The aim of this study is to analyze the Carrea´s index for stature estimation in dental arches with normal dentition, crowding and diastema. Plaster casts of 51 students of the Federal University of Paraíba were analyzed. Each hemiarch was divided according to the dental position, and the elements were measured with divider and digital calipers. Considering the normal and crowded dentition,
the Carrea´s index presented a satisfactory success percentage, between 72.2% and 95.2%, with no statistically significant difference between sexes or between right and left sides. The presence of diastema reduced the number of matches to less than 62.5%. It was concluded that the Carrea´s index is a reliable method for height estimation in arches with normal and crowded dentitions, useful in males and females,
and in the right and left sides. However, the method was not efficient in hemiarches with diastema.

Adult stature variation is commonly attributed to differential stress-levels during development. However, due to selective mortality and heterogeneous frailty, a population's tall stature may be more indicative of high selective pressures than of positive life conditions. This article examines stature in a biocultural context and draws parallels between bioarchaeological and living populations to explore the multidimensionality of stature variation in the past. This study investigates: 1) stature differences between archaeological populations exposed to low or high stress (inferred from skeletal indicators); 2) similarities in growth retardation patterns between archaeological and living groups; and 3) the apportionment of variance in growth outcomes at the regional level in archaeological and living populations. Anatomical stature estimates were examined in relation to skeletal stress indicators (cribra orbitalia, porotic hyperostosis, linear enamel hypoplasia) in two medieval bioarchaeological populations. Stature and biocultural information were gathered for comparative living samples from South America. Results indicate 1) significant (P < 0.01) differences in stature between groups exposed to different levels of skeletal stress; 2) greater prevalence of stunting among living groups, with similar patterns in socially stratified archaeological and modern groups; and 3) a degree of regional variance in growth outcomes consistent with that observed for highly selected traits. The relationship between early stress and growth is confounded by several factorsincluding catch-up growth, cultural buffering, and social inequality. The interpretations of early life conditions based on the relationship between stress and stature should be advanced with caution.

- by Giuseppe Vercellotti and +6
- •
- Archaeology, Anthropology, Food and Nutrition, Public Health

Here we present and describe comparatively 25 talus bones from the Middle Pleistocene site of the Sima
de los Huesos (SH) (Sierra de Atapuerca, Burgos, Spain). These tali belong to 14 individuals (11 adult and
three immature). Although variation among Middle and Late Pleistocene tali tends to be subtle, this
study has identified unique morphological characteristics of the SH tali. They are vertically shorter than
those of Late Pleistocene Homo sapiens, and show a shorter head and a broader lateral malleolar facet
than all of the samples. Moreover, a few shared characters with Neanderthals are consistent with the
hypothesis that the SH population and Neanderthals are sister groups. These shared characters are a
broad lateral malleolar facet, a trochlear height intermediate between modern humans and Late Pleistocene
H. sapiens, and a short middle calcaneal facet. It has been possible to propose sex assignment for
the SH tali based on their size. Stature estimates based on these fossils give a mean stature of 174.4 cm for
males and 161.9 cm for females, similar to that obtained based on the long bones from this same site.

Sexual dimorphism, the size and shape differences between males and females, is a useful measure of human biocultural adaptation. A decrease in population sexual dimorphism is generally associated with a shift to intensified subsistence... more

- by Sian Halcrow
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- Prehistoric Archaeology, Anthropology, Biological Anthropology, Bioarchaeology