Integration between the face and the mandible of Pongo and the evolution of the craniofacial morphology of orangutans. Issue 3 (14th July 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Neaux, Dimitri; Gilissen, Emmanuel; Coudyzer, Walter; Guy, Franck
• Is Part Of: American journal of physical anthropology. Volume 158:Issue 3(2015)
• Page Start: 475
• Page End: 486
• Publication Date: 2015-07-14
• Subjects: Physical anthropology -- Periodicals; Anthropology -- Periodicals; Anthropologie physique -- Périodiques; 599.9
• DOI: 10.1002/ajpa.22807
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0002-9483

Abstract

<abstract abstract-type="main"> <title>ABSTRACT</title> <sec id="ajpa22807-sec-0001" sec-type="section"> <title>Objectives</title> <p>Extant <italic>Pongo</italic> diverges from other hominids by a series of craniofacial morphological features, such as a concave face, a reduced supraorbital torus, or an upwardly orientated palate. These traits are not independent because the skull is a complex integrated structure. The aim of this study is to describe the relationship between the face and mandible of <italic>Pongo</italic>, in order to examine the link between mandibular structures and the set‐up of the unique facial features of orangutans.</p> </sec> <sec id="ajpa22807-sec-0002" sec-type="section"> <title>Materials and methods</title> <p>Using 3D geometric morphometrics, the morphological integration between face and mandible of <italic>Pongo</italic> is compared to that of the three extant hominids: <italic>Homo</italic>, <italic>Pan</italic>, and <italic>Gorilla</italic>. Pooled within‐species partial least squares analyses are computed in order to quantify the patterns and levels of integration.</p> </sec> <sec id="ajpa22807-sec-0003" sec-type="section"> <title>Results</title> <p>The covariation analyses show unique patterns of integration and levels of correlation in <italic>Pongo</italic> when compared to other hominids. This study shows that the craniofacial features distinguishing <italic>Pongo</italic> from African great apes are related to differences in the patterns of integration and levels of correlation between facial and mandibular shape.</p> </sec> <sec id="ajpa22807-sec-0004" sec-type="section"> <title>Discussion</title> <p>Changes in important functions may play a part in these modifications of craniofacial integration. This study underlines the importance of the mandible and of the mandibular functions in the development of the unique craniofacial features of <italic>Pongo</italic>. Am J Phys Anthropol 158:475–486, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.</p> </sec> </abstract>