Author Type

Graduate Student

Date of Award

2007

Document Type

Thesis

Publication Status

Version of Record

Submission Date

October 2026

Thesis/Dissertation Advisor [Chair]

McCarthy, Robert

Abstract

This study focused on the temporalis configuration in Middle Pleistocene hominins and how that configuration is correlated with various structures in the craniofacial complex. Three hypotheses were tested using univariate comparisons, regression, and scaling analyses. Results showed that Middle Pleistocene hominins have small anterior temporalis muscles relative to the size oftheir faces, contrary to expectation. This discrepancy may be explained by a decrease in the size of the temporal fossa as a consequence of postorbital constriction concurrent with encephalization. Additionally, this configuration may have implications for the biomechanics of chewing, rendering the masticatory structures of Middle Pleistocene hominins less efficient than in other hominins. Future studies in this area should analyze the size of the temporal fossa in conjunction with rates of encephalization, using cranial capacity as a measure of vault size. Such analyses, coupled with comparisons of temporalis muscle size, will better explain the relationships suggested here.

Extent

109 p.

Comments

Dorothy F. Schmidt College of Arts and Letters|Thesis (M.A.)--Florida Atlantic University, 2007.|FAU Electronic Theses and Dissertations Collection|Dorothy F. Schmidt College of Arts and Letters

Identifier

FA00000934

Format

pdf

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