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Unpacking the trunk: pelvic-thoracic relationships in modern Homo sapiens

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dc.contributor.authorShaw, Zoƫ G., author
dc.contributor.authorGlantz, Michelle, advisor
dc.contributor.authorDu, Andrew, committee member
dc.contributor.authorThrockmorton, Zachary, committee member
dc.date.accessioned2024-09-09T20:51:03Z
dc.date.available2024-09-09T20:51:03Z
dc.date.issued2024
dc.description.abstractIt is generally accepted that throughout the history of the genus Homo, shifts in body morphology have aligned with the emergence of distinct hominin populations (Ruff, 1991, 1994, 2010; Schmid et al., 2013; Walker & Leakey, 1993). The human trunk, comprised of the ribcage, pelvis, and spine, contributes the most to overall body shape. However, how the thorax and pelvis are morphologically related in modern humans is not well understood. The fragmented nature of the human fossil record poses challenges in reconstructing the morphology of the trunk. Research on extant nonhuman ape morphology has suggested covariance between the inferior ribcage and upper pelvis, and it has been proposed that this pattern holds for premodern hominin groups (Schmid, 1983; Schmid et al., 2013). This expectation of covariance between the upper and lower portions of the trunk has allowed researchers to infer body shape and size with incomplete remains (Schmid, 1983; Schmid et al., 2013; Jellema et al., 1993). However, recent findings have served to challenge previously accepted trends in hominin body shape, calling into question whether the hominin trunk is integrated as was previously thought (Arsuaga et al., 1999; Day, 1971; Rosenberg, 2007; Simpson et al., 2008). The current study expands on previous work by Torres-Tamayo et al. (2018, 2020). Five linear measurements from a mixed sample of 85 living humans were taken from computed topography scans rendered in 3D. Results suggest a minimal correlation between pelvic dimensions and inferior ribcage width, with some variations observed by sex. Understanding this relationship in modern humans aids in evaluating researchers' expectations when interpreting past hominin body shapes and offers new insights into the origins of modern human and neandertal anatomy. Since evidence of integration is weak, results suggest that the thorax and pelvis may be under different selective pressures in modern H. sapiens.
dc.format.mediumborn digital
dc.format.mediummasters theses
dc.identifierShaw_colostate_0053N_18047.pdf
dc.identifier.urihttps://hdl.handle.net/10217/239105
dc.languageEnglish
dc.language.isoeng
dc.publisherColorado State University. Libraries
dc.relation.ispartof2020-
dc.rightsCopyright and other restrictions may apply. User is responsible for compliance with all applicable laws. For information about copyright law, please see https://libguides.colostate.edu/copyright.
dc.subjectmodern human variation
dc.subjectbody shape
dc.subjecttorso integration
dc.titleUnpacking the trunk: pelvic-thoracic relationships in modern Homo sapiens
dc.typeText
dcterms.rights.dplaThis Item is protected by copyright and/or related rights (https://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/). You are free to use this Item in any way that is permitted by the copyright and related rights legislation that applies to your use. For other uses you need to obtain permission from the rights-holder(s).
thesis.degree.disciplineAnthropology and Geography
thesis.degree.grantorColorado State University
thesis.degree.levelMasters
thesis.degree.nameMaster of Arts (M.A.)

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