RT Journal Article
T1 Covariation between the shape and mineralized tissues of the rib cross section in <scp><i>Homo sapiens</i></scp>, <scp><i>Pan troglodytes</i></scp> and <scp>Sts 14</scp>
A1 López‐Rey, José M.
A1 Cambra‐Moo, Óscar
A1 González Martín, Armando
A1 Candelas González, Nieves
A1 Sánchez‐Andrés, Ángeles
A1 Tawane, Mirriam
A1 Cazenave, Marine
A1 Williams, Scott A.
A1 Bastir, Markus
A1 García Martínez, Daniel
AB ObjectivesStudying rib torsion is crucial for understanding the evolution of the hominid ribcage. Interestingly, there are variables of the rib cross section that could be associated with rib torsion and, consequently, with the morphology of the thorax. The aim of this research is to conduct a comparative study of the shape and mineralized tissues of the rib cross section in different hominids to test for significant differences and, if possible, associate them to different thoracic morphotypes.Materials and MethodsThe sample consists of the rib cross sections at the midshaft taken from 10 Homo sapiens and 10 Pan troglodytes adult individuals, as well as from A. africanus Sts 14. The shape of these rib cross sections was quantified using geometric morphometrics, while the mineralized tissues were evaluated using the compartmentalization index. Subsequently, covariation between both parameters was tested by a Spearman's ρ test, a permutation test and a linear regression.ResultsGenerally, P. troglodytes individuals exhibit rib cross sections that are rounder and more mineralized compared to those of H. sapiens. However, the covariation between both parameters was only observed in typical ribs (levels 3–10). Although covariation was not found in the rib cross sections of Sts 14, their parameters are closer to P. troglodytes.DiscussionOn the one hand, the differences observed in the rib cross sections between H. sapiens and P. troglodytes might be related to different degrees of rib torsion and, consequently, to different thoracic 3D configurations. These findings can be functionally explained by considering their distinct modes of breathing and locomotion. On the other hand, although the rib cross sections belonging to Sts 14 are more similar to those of P. troglodytes, previous publications determined that their overall morphology is closer to modern humans. This discrepancy could reflect a diversity of post‐cranial adaptations in Australopithecus.
PB Wiley
SN 2692-7691
YR 2023
FD 2023-11-13
LK https://hdl.handle.net/20.500.14352/119869
UL https://hdl.handle.net/20.500.14352/119869
LA eng
NO López-Rey, J. M., Cambra-Moo, Ó., González Martín, A., Candelas González, N., Sánchez-Andrés, Á., Tawane, M., Cazenave, M., Williams, S. A., Bastir, M., & García-Martínez, D. (2024). Covariation between the shape and mineralized tissues of the rib cross section in Homo sapiens, Pan troglodytes and Sts 14. American Journal of Biological Anthropology, 183(1), 157-164. https://doi.org/10.1002/ajpa.24844
NO The authors thank Belén Notario and David Larreina from the microtomography laboratory of the CENIEH for their assistance in the micro-CT scanning of the human sample. Authors also thank Marisa Surovy, Eleanor Hoeger, Neil Duncan, Morgan Chase, Ian Tattersall, Sergio Almécija, and Ashley Hammond from the AMNH for providing access, support, and assistance during the micro-CT scanning of the chimpanzee sample; and the NECSA's microtomography laboratories for their assistance in the micro-CT scanning of the Sts 14 specimen. We also acknowledge the DST-NRF for financial support (grant #UID23456) to establish the MIXRAD microfocus x-ray tomography facility at NECSA. This project is funded by the Leakey Foundation (ID: 38360; Covariation of internal and external costal anatomy and its importance for understanding the evolution of the human thorax) and is linked to the projects HAR2016-78036-P, HAR2016-74846-P, HAR2017-82755-P, HAR2017-83004-P (Spanish Ministry of Economy, Industry and Competitivity) and PGC2018-099405-B-100 (Spanish Ministry of Science and Innovation). Grant PID2020-115854GB-I00 to Markus Bastir is funded by MCIN/AEI/10.13039/501100011033 (Spanish Ministry of Science and Innovation). The “JAE Intro” program (JAEINT20_EX_0776), from the Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), funds José M. López-Rey and the “Juan de la Cierva Formación” program (FJCI-2017-32157), from the Spanish Ministry of Science and Innovation, funds Daniel García-Martínez.
NO Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (España)
NO DST-NRF Leakey Foundation
NO Ministerio de Economía, Industria y Competitividad (España)
NO Ministerio de Ciencia e Innovación (España)
DS Docta Complutense
RD 22 ene 2026