Author Type

Graduate Student

Date of Award

1970

Document Type

Thesis

Publication Status

Version of Record

Submission Date

October 2026

Thesis/Dissertation Advisor [Chair]

Pilbeam, David B.

Abstract

This study continues earlier Yale work on Mio/Pliocene hominoid fossils from south of the Himalayas. The objective was to determine the number of species present. Samples consist of dental fragments, hence biometric analysis was used, in comparisons with other Hominoidea, fossil and recent, from the Yale Peabody Museum. Conclusions were that two species, Dryopithecus (Sivapithecus) sivalensis and indicus, were sampled. Statistical comparisons inferred that sivalensis was derived from African groups similar to Q. (Proconsul) pyanzae, and indicus from groups similar to Q. (f.) major. Variability within these species suggested sampling a variety of demes, similar to macaques of the same areas. An indicus size increase through time was documented, foreshadowing speciation into Gigantopithecus. For sivalensis, dental similarities to Pongo were noted. A criterion for sexing fossils of Ramapithecus punjabicus was proposed. Tooth area and body weights were correlated for pongids, for estimating live weights from fossil teeth.

Extent

204 p.

Comments

Dorothy F. Schmidt College of Arts and Letters|Thesis (M.A.)--Florida Atlantic University, 1970.|FAU Electronic Theses and Dissertations Collection|Dorothy F. Schmidt College of Arts and Letters

Identifier

FADT13418

Format

pdf

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