3D virtual reconstruction of the Kebara 2 Neandertal thorax

Bibliographic Collection: 
APE
Publication Type: Journal Article
Authors: Gómez-Olivencia, Asier; Barash, Alon; Garcia-Martinez, Daniel; Arlegi, Mikel; Kramer, Patricia; Bastir, Markus; Been, Ella
Year of Publication: 2018
Journal: Nature Communications
Volume: 9
Issue: 1
Pagination: 4387
Date Published: 2018/10/30
Publication Language: eng
ISBN Number: 2041-1723
Abstract:

The size and shape of the Neandertal thorax has been debated since the first discovery of Neandertal ribs more than 150 years ago, with workers proposing different interpretations ranging from a Neandertal thoracic morphology that is indistinguishable from modern humans, to one that was significantly different from them. Here, we provide a virtual 3D reconstruction of the thorax of the adult male Kebara 2 Neandertal. Our analyses reveal that the Kebara 2 thorax is significantly different but not larger from that of modern humans, wider in its lower segment, which parallels his wide bi-iliac breadth, and with a more invaginated vertebral column. Kinematic analyses show that rib cages that are wider in their lower segment produce greater overall size increments (respiratory capacity) during inspiration. We hypothesize that Neandertals may have had a subtle, but somewhat different breathing mechanism compared to modern humans.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-018-06803-z
Short Title: Nature Communications
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