MALARS MALAYID = Nesid. Veddid subvariety of the southern Indian inlands, showing Negritid admixture.
Misalignment of teeth and or incorrect relation between the teeth of the two dental arches, cf. occlusion. Types of malocclusion include prognathism and retrognathism. The bone forming the lower jaw; the largest and strongest bone of the face, presenting a body and a pair of rami, which articulate with the skull at the tempromandibular joints. MANDIBULAR ARC AND HALF-ARCS (t-gn-t) Measured in relation to gnathion and the tragia. Use the same technique as when measuring the height of the mandibular symphysis, but in a vertical plane, between the first and second molars. Measure with sliding calipers. MANDIBULAR BODY LENGTH (gn-go) Measured between gnathion and gonion. MANDIBULAR DEPTH (gn-t) Measured between gonion and tragion. MANDIBULAR RAMUS HEIGHT (go-cdl) Measured between gonion and condylion laterale. MANDIBULAR SYMPHYSIS HEIGHT (gn-id) Measured from gnathion to infradentale with sliding calipers.
Indianid type. Medium-sized, robust dolicho-mesocephals of California and Sonara, and (at much lower frequency) in Mexico, the Rocky Mountains (Shoshons), Florida and along the East Coast north to Newfoundland. The Margid type is characterized by a supraorbital bulge, a broad but not flat face, small eyelid slits (without Mongolid characteristics), a medium-broad to broad, moderately prominent straight or concave nose with a clearly retracted root, smooth hair and dark brown skin with slightly red tone. Lundman proposed a further subdivision of Margid into Californid and Mexicid types.
A paired point at the inferior tip of the mastoid process. It is used to measure mastoid length. MASTOID CRESTS MASTOID PROCESS The mastoid portion of the temporal bone. Paired bones uniting to form the upper jawbone. The maxillae atriculate with every bone of the face except the mandible, or lower jawbone. MAXILLARY ARC AND HALF-ARCS (t-sn-t) Measured in relation to subnasale and the tragia. MAXILLARY DEPTH (sn-t) Measured between tragion and subnasale. MAXILLARY PROGNATHISM Protrusion of the maxilla. Maxillary prognathism affects a large area of the face, causing it to jut out. Cf. prognathism. MAXILLO-ALVEOLAR BREADTH (ecm-ecm) (palatal breadth) Between the ectomolares. The distance between the external surfaces of the alveolar border, usually, opposite the second molar teeth. Measured with sliding or hinge calipers. If there are any exostoses (bony growths projecting outward) on the border they are to be avoided by placing the ends of the calipers in an unaffected area.
maxillo-alveolar breadth
* 100
- 109.99 =
dolichuranial (long-/narrow-palated) MAXILLO-ALVEOLAR LENGTH (pr-alv) (palatal length) Between prosthion and alveolon. Measured with sliding or hinge calipers. Place one end of the calipers on prosthion and the other on a straight wire, knitting needle or wood rod placed across the posterior edges of the alveolar processes (alveolon) of the two sides. MAXILLOFRONTALE (mf) A paired point at the intersection of the anterior lacrimal crest (on the frontal process of the maxilla) and the frontomaxillary suture. It is on the medial margin of the orbit and can be used to measure orbital width. To locate maxillofrontale, extend the medial edge of the eye orbit with a pencil line until the line crosses the fronto-maxillary suture. The maximum breadth of the skull taken above the supramastoid crests. MAXIMUM CRANIAL BREADTH/WIDTH MAXIMUM CRANIAL LENGTH MAXIMUM FACIAL BREADTH (zy-zy) (bizygomatic diameter) Measured with sliding or spreading calipers. By palpation locate the most lateral point of the zygomatic arch with the tips of index fingers and place the caliper tips on the arches with enough pressure to feel the bone; move the calipers back and forth, up and down until scale shows maximum reading. MAXIMUM FRONTAL BREADTH (maximum frontal diameter) The distance between the lower anterior extremities of the frontal bone at the fronto-malar junctures. Measured with spreading or sliding calipers. MAXIMUM HEAD BREADTH (eu-eu) (maximum cranial breadth) The maximum width or breadth between the parietal bones perpendicular to the median sagittal plane is instrumentally determined as both ends of the spreading calipers are moved back and forth on the sides of the skull, above the supramastoid crest until the maximum width is located. If measuring skeletally, be careful of skulls with warped temporal bones; sometimes the temporals have spread out and width should not be taken from these. On the living the height measurement is the auricular height. On the skull the basion-bregma height is usually employed. MAXIMUM HEAD LENGTH (g-op) Place one end of the spreading calipers on glabella and support it with your finger. With the other end, locate the most posterior point on the midline (opisthocranion) and record length in millimetres. Conventional technique keeps calipers along a sagittal midline; however, in patients with plagiocephaly, the posterior point of the skull may not be in the midline of the cranium; for clinical purposes take this measurement at the most posterior location. MAXIMUM THICKNESS OF THE BODY OF THE LOWER JAW The maximum separation of the internal and external surfaces of the bone in the plane between the first and second molars. Measure with spreading calipers. MEDIAL Toward the midline. MEDIAN SAGITTAL PLANE (midsagittal plane) A vertical plane that passes through the center of the body, dividing it into right and left sides. MEDITERRANID (Westisch ("Western", Günther)) A para-family of mostly brunet Europid types, all more or less dolichocephalic, orthognathous, meso- to leptorrhine, narrow-faced, fine-boned, and of medium head size. Mediterranids can be short-, medium- or tall-statured. The Mediterranid family, by no means a tightly knit group, subsumes the majority of peoples living in a belt running west to east from the Iberian peninsula and southern Italy, and throughout North Africa and the Black Sea area. Some anthropologists include Orientalids and even Indids in this already sprawling category. Some generally recognized Mediterranid types are Atlanto-Mediterranid, Gracile-Mediterranid and Pontid. The term is also used more specifically to refer to the Gracile-Mediterranid variety. MEGALITHIC The prehistoric skeletal type, so named by Coon, which is reflected in the living Atlanto-Mediterranid type. (Oceanic Negroid (Coon))Oceanian racial type of the Melanesian aborgines, considered members of the greater "Australoid" group, however the relation to Australid and Veddid etc. is uncertain and provisional. Melanesids are sometimes mistaken for Negrids, but the resemblance is actually more remote. Subtypes: Neo-Melanesid and Paleo-Melanesid. Similar (and partially synonymous) to Indo-Melanid, with greater Veddid admixture. The d ark pigment, present in the skin, hair and eyes, the varying levels of which constitute the main reason for the great variation in human pigmentation. Cf. blondism, depigmentation.“Dark whites” from North Africa and southern Europe to India, in Huxley’s typology. They and the Xanthochroi constitute the two main branches of the white (“Caucasic”) race, according to his (rather outdated) system. (1822 – 1884) An Augustinian monk who showed that the inheritance of traits in living organisms follows particular laws (later known as Mendelian laws). Mendel is widely recognized as the "father of genetics", as his studies in heredity prompted the foundation of the discipline.
MENDELISM (Mendelian inheritance) The whole body of principles of heredity formulated by Mendel, that represent the basis of genetics. MENTON = gnathion. MESATICEPHALIC = mesocephalic; seldom used. MESENE (mesial) Possessing an upper facial index of 50.0 to 54.9; of moderate upper facial form. MESOCEPHALIC (mesaticephalic) Possessing a cephalic index of 75.0 to 79.9 (77.78 to 80.00 in the French system); intermediate in head form. Mesocephaly is the nominal form, and a mesocephalic individual is referred to as a mesocephal. Possessing an orbital index of 83.0 to 88.9; of moderate or intermediate orbital form. Possessing a cranial index of 75.0 to 79.9; of moderate or intermediate skull form. Possessing a slightly protruding facial profile, with an angle o f 80-84,9°.
Intermediate between
leptomorphic and
pyknomorphic.
Possessing a facial index of 84.0 to 87.9;
moderate in facial form.
Possessing a nasal index
of 47.1 - 51.0; of moderate nasal proportions.
METOPIC EMINENCE
= frontal boss.
MEXICID
Subvariety of Margid (an
Indianid type), in Lundman's
typology.
MID FACE DEPTH (sn-t)
Measured on the right and left sides of the face using spreading
calipers.
Position the anterior tip of the calipers at the
subnasale, and touch the
tragus with the posterior tip; reverse for the other side of
the face.
MIDDLE-SINID (Kiangid (Lundman); Mittelsinid (German sp.))
Sinid subtype. Really more of a collective term than an
actual typological designation, referring to intermediate
North- and South-Sinid populations.
MIDSAGITTAL PLANE
MINCOPIES
=
Andamanids, in the typology of
Huxley.
MINIMUM BREADTH OF ASCENDING
RAMUS
Minimum distance between the anterior and posterior borders of the ascending
ramus, measured with sliding calipers. Can be taken on either right or left but
left is standard for comparison.
MINIMUM FRONTAL BREADTH (ft-ft) (minimum frontal diameter)
Measured by spreading or sliding calipers. By palpation with index fingers, identify temporal crests of
frontal bone; continue along crests to the deepest (most medial) points of curves superior to the superior orbital rims.
Make sure caliper
tips do not slip into the tempora MITOCHONDRIAL DNA (mtDNA) DNA found in the mitochondrion, a small round body found in most cells. Because mitochondria are generally carried in egg cells but not in sperm, mtDNA is passed to offspring from mothers, but not fathers. Unlike nuclear DNA, mtDNA changes little between parent and offspring, and since the mutation rate is easily measured, it is constantly used by population geneticists for tracking matrilineages. MITTELSINID = Middle-Sinid, German sp. MODERN SYNTHESIS MONGOLID (Homo sapiens asiaticus; Mongolian or Yellow race (Blumenbach; excluding Indianids)) One of the major subspecies or races of Homo sapiens; characterized by a generally short stature, a pyknic build and short legs, a flattish face, prominent cheekbones, high orbits, ortho- or mesognathy (the latter often the result of alveolar prognathism), narrow eyes (typically featuring epicanthus, but this is not an exclusive feature), usually snubbed or concave (but also straight and even convex) noses, and full lips. The teeth are characterized by sinodonty. Face and body hair is very weak, and head hair is usually straight, sometimes gently waving, and black to very dark-brown in color. The eyes are dark, and the skin color varies between very light and swarthy. Mongolids are found in Siberia (e.g. Sibirid), Chukotka-Kamchatka, Turkestan, Mongolia (e.g. Tungid), Manchuria, Korea, Japan, China (e.g. Sinid), Tibet, Nepal, the Indian subcontinent, Burma, Indochina (e.g. Paleo-Mongolids, who are at least partially non-Mongolid), Taiwan, the Phillipines, Malaysia, Indonesia, Oceania, Madagascar, North America, South America, and the other surrounding islands of these areas (Indianids, who are diverse, and significantly derived from Asian Mongolids). Resembling or approaching Mongolid; characterized by Mongolid-specific features. Of a species, having no geographical races. Cf. polytypic. (1879-1944) A French anthropologist. He is infamous for having provided certificates of "Aryanness" during the Nazi occupation, and he also claimed to have evidence for a Bigfoot-like simian inhabiting the jungles of South America.
MORPHOLOGICAL CHARACTERS Non-metrical, observational attributes of the human body. MORPHOLOGICAL FACE HEIGHT (n-gn) (total face height) Meausured with sliding calipers. Place the fixed tip of the calipers at the subject's gnathion, slide the moveable end superiorly until it contacts nasion. The branch of biology which deals with the form and structure of organisms, without consideration of function. The term also applies to the form and structure of the organism itself (=phenotype). MORPHOTYPE Morphologically distinguishable portions of populations of a single taxon. Cf. phenotype. MTEBID = Caucasid, in Lundman's typology; the name is derived from Georgian mtebi, "mountain region". The hypothesis which states that Homo sapiens evolved from several different groups of Homo erectus in several places throughout the world. Cf. Out of Africa Hypothesis. Australid subtype of a heavy and thickset variety, characterized by light brown skin, wavy hair, and significant pilous growth. Similarities to the Ainuids of Japan have been considered. The Murrayians are associated by some with an alleged second wave of Australian aborigines (following that of the Barrineans) who survived in the Murray Basin and on the east, south and west coasts at the time of European settlement. Change in the structure of a gene caused by some external agent. The chance of a mutation occurring in an organism or gene in each generation.
Small oblong bones that meet at the middle and superior part of the face; their fusion forms the superior part of the bridge of the nose. NASAL BRIDGE LENGTH (n-prn) Measured between nasion and pronasale. NASAL EMINENCE = glabella.
nose width
* 100 According to the Frankfort Agreement:
N.I. - 47.0 = leptorrhine
(narrow-nosed) According to Broca:
N.I. < 48 = leptorrhine NASAL MIDLINE (m') The midline of the bridge of the nose. NASAL ROOT HEIGHT (en-m') Measured between endocanthion and the nasal midline. NASAL ROOT SLOPE (en-m') Measured using endocanthion and the nasal midline. NASAL ROOT WIDTH (mf-mf) The breadth of the nasal root, measured between the maxillofrontales. NASAL TIP PROTRUSION (sn-prn) The extent of protrusion of the tip of the nose, measured between subnasale and pronasale. The distance, on the external surface of the skull in a sagittal line, between nasion and bregma; the sagittal arc of the frontal bone. NASION (n) The midpoint on the nasofrontal suture; the root of the nose. The depression in the facial profile below glabella, in the region of nasion. The creases running from the nasal wings to the corners of the mouth, and delimiting the area of the integumental upper lip. NASOSPINALE (ns) The lowest point on the inferior margin of the nasal aperture as projected in the mid-sagittal plane. In crania with slight to moderate development of the anterior nasal spine, this point is easily determined by connecting the lowest point on the inferior margin of the nasal aperture right and left of the nasal spine. Nasospinale is located wherever this line is intersected by the mid-sagittal plane at the base of the nasal spine. If the nasal spine is well developed, mark the point of nasospinale on the lateral wall of the projecting nasal spine. However, if the nasal spine is at or below the line connecting the lowest point on the inferior margins of the aperture lowest point on the nasospinale is found on the upper margin of the nasal spine. The mechanism of evolutionary change first articulated by Charles Darwin; refers to genetic change or changes in the frequencies of certain traits in populations due to differential reproductive success between individuals. Cf. fitness, sexual selection. NEGRID (Africoid; Congoid (Coon); Ethiopian or Black race (Blumenbach); Homo sapiens afer; Negroid) One of the major subspecies or races of Homo sapiens, indigenous to Sub-Saharan Africa. Negrids are characterized by dolichocephaly (excepting Paleo-Negrids and some Bambutids), prognathism, chamaerrhiny, dark brown to blue-black skin and frizzy black hair. There are a series of subvarieties or clinal end-types, including Sudanid ("standard" Negrid), Paleo-Negrid, Nilotid, Bambutid, Kafrid and Aethiopid. NEGRITID (Asian Pygmid) The type of the so-called Negritos, pygmy-sized, dark-skinned aborigines of southeastern Asia. Negritids are found in the Philippines (the Aeta), the Andaman and Nicobar Islands (the Andamanid subvariety), the Malay Peninsula (the Semang), and elsewhere, and are considered the descendants of the earliest sapiens settlers of southeastern Asia.
Resembling or approaching Negrid. NEO-DANUBIAN (Oriental (Deniker)) According to Coon, a brachycephalic, depigmented blend of Lappoid (Ladogan, in his typology) and Danubian (Mediterranid) elements, common throughout the populations of eastern Europe.NEO-DARWINISM (Modern Synthesis) The larger body of evolutionary thought that was inspired by the unification of natural selection and Mendelism. Melanesid subtype exemplified by the aboriginal population of New Guinea. Neo-Melanesids are medium-statured, slender and sturdily built, with mesocephalic heads and long faces, high, often convex, yet wide noses with elongated apex, and moderately broad lips. The skin is dark, the hair is dark and frizzly ("negroid"), and the eyes are brown. Facial and body hair development is notable. Neo-Melanesids are prevalent in New Guinea, and are typified by the Papuans. Cf. Paleo-Melanesid.
Papua New Guinea Less frequently used term referring to the northern Sinid and Tungid vareties of Mongolid, as opposed to the Paleo-Mongolids of Southeast Asia. "Neo-Mongolids" retain, to greater extent, the true Mongoloid features attained through cold adaptation in Northeast Asia during the last Ice Age. Evolutionary process by which the physiological development is slowed or delayed, resulting in paedomorhosis. NESID (Malayid) Paleo-Mongolid variety of the Southeast Asian islands (as opposed to the mainland; Gr. νησος = “island”). Nesids are found throughout the Malay Archipelago. Subtypes: Deutero-Malayid, Proto-Malayid. Cf. Palaungid.
NEW HOLLAND RACE = Australid, in the typology of Agassiz. The limited portions of the environment, in terms of space, resources, etc., that a species fits and/or that it requires for its survival and reproductive success. Negrid subtype, partially influenced by Europid, and associated with the upper Nile area. They are extremely tall and long-legged, long- and narrow-skulled and quite long-faced, with gracile features. The interorbital distance is small, the nose is narrow, straight and high-rooted, with characteristically Negrid inflation of the nostrils, yet not at all broad. The lips are thinner than those of more typical Negrids (e.g. Sudanids), and there is no prognathy. The Nilotid chin is strong, and the ears are small. The skin is very dark.
NORDALPINOID = Borreby. Evolutionary tendency in a Nordid morphological direction. A popular term of little practical value. NORDID (Nordic) A group of strongly depigmented Northern European dolicho-mesocephalic leptomorphs, whose similarities are partially the result of shared origins, partially of convergent evolution. There are three generally recognized Nordid types: the classic Hallstatt Nordid, the northwestern European Keltic Nordid, and the eastern European East-Nordid. For some brief speculation on the topic of Nordid origins, please read the introduction to The Nordish Gallery.
Resembling or approaching the Nordid form in certain respects. Northern European Europid para-group of Cro-Magnids and Nordids, all mostly tall-statured and depigmented, and cohabitant in relative intermixture. Not primarily a phylogenetic entity. Similar or related to Nordid. NORDO-MEDITERRANID Cf. "Atlantid". NORID (Sub-Adriatic (Deniker)) Nordid altered by Dinarid admixture; the term Noric was coined by Lebzelter. Norids are the prevalent type in Austria, and are also common in northern France and adjacent areas. Coon, who theorized that Nordids are essentially depigmented Mediterranids, suggested that the formation of Norids did not necessitate Dinarid admixture, merely the process of dinaricization upon a depigmented Mediterranid population. SNPA account here.
NORTH-ATLANTID (~ Northwestern (Deniker)) Predominantly Nordid (Keltic Nordid) blend with an Atlanto-Mediterranid strain. North-Atlantids are typically dark-haired and light-eyed, and constitute an important element in the British Isles, and particularly in Wales. SNPA account here.
NORTH-INDID (Indo-Afghan (Deniker); Nordindid (German sp.)) Northwestern Indid subtype characterized by relatively tall stature, dolichocephaly, a head height which is comparatively smaller than that of the Gracile-Indid type, and a long, prominent and leptorrhine nose. The skin color varies between rosy white and light brown, the hair is straight and varies in shade between chestnut and brown, and the eye color varies between gray-blue and light brown. The North-Indid morphology is typical of the Sikhs and the Brahmin, and the type is transitional to the Iranid variety.
Sometimes used of Nordid/Corded-Pontid intermediates, typical of e.g. the Ukrainian population. NORTH-SINID (Hoid (Lundman); Nordsinid (German sp.)) Sinid subtype. North-Sinids are characterized by relatively great stature, narrow faces and noses, low cephalic indices, high height-length indices, moderate amounts of subcutaneous fat and relatively light pigmentation. North-Sinids are found in Northern China (Khitaid subtype) and Korea (Chosonid subtype).
NORTHWESTERN In Deniker's typology, a blue-eyed, dark-haired element in the Irish population, which he considered an Atlanto-Mediterranid type. It is more or less synonymous with North-Atlantid. NOSE HEIGHT (n-sn) (nasal height) On the skull, from nasion to the lower borders of the piriform opening; on the living, from nasion to the lowest point on the posterior border of the nasal septum, where it joins the upper lip. Place the fixed point of the sliding calipers at nasion, and with the movable point obtain the mean of the lowest points of the right and left nasal margins (nasospinale). NOSE WIDTH (al-al) (nasal breadth, columella width) The maximum breadth of the nasal aperture between the anterior surfaces of its lateral margins. Measured at right angle to the height. NOSTRIL FLOOR WIDTH (sbal-sn) (ala thickness) The breadth of the nostril floor, measured between subalare and subnasale. NUCHAL Pertaining to the neck. DNA contained within a nucleus of eukaryotic organisms. In most cases it encodes more of the genome than the mitochondrial DNA, and is passed sexually rather than matrilineally.
OBELION The point on the sagittal suture between the two parietal foramina. Skeletal remains found in 1914 in Obercassel, near Bonn (Germany). The stature of Obercassel was probably ~170 cm. The skull, which may be called Cro-Magnoid, is large, dolicho- and orthocranial, with a rounded occipital region. The face is low, the browridges are prominent, and the bizygomatic diameter is enormous. The chin is protruding, and there is no prognathism. In life, the nose of Obercassel was leptorrhine and beak-like.
OCCIPITAL Pertaining to the occipital bone. OCCIPITAL BUN (chignon) Prominent bulge or projection of the occipital bone. The term is most often used in connection with scientific descriptions of classic Neanderthal crania. While characteristic of many of humankind's earlier relatives, occipital buns are relatively rare in modern sapiens. They do however occur fairly often among Australids, Khoisanids and Lappids, and, interestingly, among Europid inhabitants of Lancashire, UK.
OCCIPUT (occipital bone) A single trapezoid-shaped bone situated at the posterior and inferior part of the cranium, from the foramen magnum to lambda. A vertical flattening of the occipital bones below lambda; in some cases of hereditary and in others of artificial causation. Cf. planoccipital. A pronounced ridging of the superior nuchal line of the occiput. The manner in which the teeth of the upper and lower arches come together when the mouth is closed. Cf. malocclusion. OCEANIC NEGROID A term used by Coon (The Origin of Races (1962)) to denote the Melanesid racial type(s). OLD GERMANIC REIHENGRÄBER TYPE The large-framed, high-skulled and Cro-Magnid-influenced variety of Iron Age Nordid reflected today e.g. in the Anglo-Saxon and Friterpian types. In northern Germany, such forms are more common than Nordids proper.
OPHYRON (on) (point intersoucilier)
The point at the mid-plane of a line tangent to the upper limits of the
eyebrows (sci-sci). OPISTHION (o) The point at which the external and internal surfaces of the occipital bone meet on the posterior margin of the foramen magnum in its median plane.
OPISTHOCRANION (op) (opisthocranium)
The most posteriorly protruding point on the back of the braincase, located
in the mid-sagittal plane. Opisthocranion almost always falls on the
superior squama of the occipital bone, and only
occasionally on the external occipital protuberance. Opisthocranion can
generally be established while obtaining the measurement of
maximum cranial length. However, in some
cases where the superior squama forms a partial sphere with
glabella as its midpoint, opisthocranion
cannot be determined in this manner. In such cases, each point on the
partial sphere represents the maximum distance and opisthocranion is located
arbitrarily approximately at a point in the middle of the spherical segment. ORALE (ol) The single most anterior point on the hard palate where a line drawn lingual to the central incisors intersects the palatal suture. It is used to measure palatal length. The bony eye socket. The maximum distance of the orbit from maxillofrontale to the middle of the lateral orbital border (ectoconchion). Measurement can also be taken from dacryon or lacrimale, but maxillofrontale is preferable since this is most often present. Since bones of the medial wall of the eve orbit are quite fragile, dacryon and lacrimale are often missing in in archaeological specimens. Measured with sliding calipers. ORBITALE (or) A paired point at the lowest part of the orbital margin. It is used to define the Frankfort Horizontal Plane and to measure orbital height. ORBITALE SUPERIUS (os) The highest point on the margin of the orbit. ORBITAL HEIGHT (os-or) The maximum height from the upper to the lower orbital borders perpendicular to the horizontal axis of the orbit and using the middle of the inferior border as a fixed point. Either or both orbits may he measured, but the left is standard. Measured with sliding calipers. ORBITAL INCLINATION
orbital height
* 100
- 82.99 = chamaeoconch
(wide-orbited) Taxonomic category of organisms ranking above family and below class. ORBITO-TRAGIAL DEPTH (ex-t) (orbito-tragial distance; upper cheek depth) Measured on the left and right sides of the face using spreading calipers. Position the anterior tip of the calipers at the exocanthion, and lightly touch the tragus with the posterior tip; reverse for the other side of the face. In Deniker's typology (race orientale), an eastern European brachycephalic racial type, which Coon calls Neo-Danubian. Middle-Eastern/Central Asiatic Europid type, comprising the southern Arabid and northeastern Iranid varieties (in the typology of von Eickstedt). In some systems it is synomymous with Arabid. Carleton Coon, and others with him, considered all these types to be Mediterranids. A special phenotype associated with central Scandinavian portions of the Trønder gradient, named after the Norwegian village of Orkdal, and exhibiting a predominance of Corded features. Possessing a length-height index of 70.0 - 74.9; of moderate head height. Orthocephaly is the nominal form, and an orthocephalic individual is referred to as a orthocephal. ORTHOGENESIS The erroneous idea that species tend to evolve in a fixed direction because of some inherent force driving them to do so. Straight-jawed, with an angle of 85-89,9°. OSTEOLOGY The study of skeletal material. = Hallstatt Nordid, in Bryn's typology. = Baltid (including East-Baltid and even Lappoid), in the typology of v. Eickstedt. OSTISCH ("Eastern") = Alpinid, in Günther's typology. OTOBASION INFERIUS (obi) The lowest point of attachment of the exteral ear to the head. OTOBASION SUPERIUS (obs) The highest point of attachment of the exteral ear to the head. OUT OF AFRICA HYPOTHESIS (African Replacement Hypothesis) The hypothesis which states that all living humans are descended from a small group of people in Africa, who dispersed into Eurasia, Oceania and America, displacing earlier hominids. Cf. Multi-Regional Hypothesis. OVER-EXPRESSION Abnormal expression of a trait in the phenotype of an individual, resulting from the presence of extra chromosomes or copies of the genes responsible for the trait. For example, Down syndrome traits are likely the consequence of inheriting three chromosome 21's instead of the usual two. Apparently, the genes on the extra chromosome are also expressed. Adapted so specifically to a particular niche that the genetic variation necessary to meet changing conditions has been lost. Cf. specialized.
PACIFIC RACE = Polynesid, in the typology of Agassiz. PACIFID (Western American Temperate Race (Agassiz, roughly equivalent)) Indianid type. Medium to tall, robust brachycephals of the western Canadian coast and eastern Alaska, as well as the outskirts of the northwestern USA and the Rio Grande (Navajo, Apache). Pacifids are characterized by broad, rectangular faces, scarcity of Mongolid eye features, medium-broad straight or slightly convex, striking noses, smooth or slightly wavy hair (sporadically lightened), moderately strong beard and body hair growth and light brownish skin.
PAEDOMORPHOSIS (foetalization) Retention of juvenile (infantile) physical characteristics well into maturity. Neoteny/foetalization is the evolutionary process by which paedomorphosis is attained. Paedomorphous (or paedomorphic) characteristics in women are widely acknowledged as desirable by men. PALATAL BREADTH PALATAL LENGTH A thickening and downward projection of the central sagittal line marking the junction of the two sides of the palate. One of two irregularly shaped bones (L-shaped) forming the posterior part of the hard palate, the lateral wall of the nasal fossa between the medial pterygoid plate and the maxilla, and the posterior part of the floor of the orbit; the posterior part of the hard palate, which separates the nasal cavity from the oral cavity, is formed by the horizontal plates. Paleo-Mongolid variety of mainland Southeast Asia. Cf. Nesid.
The interdisciplinary approach to the study of earlier hominids - their chronology, physical structure, archaeological remains, habitats, etc. Umbrella-term, coined by Lundman, denoting any strongly pigmented (European) Cro-Magnid/Cro-Magnoid. One example of Paleo-Atlantid is the Scandinavian Tydal type. A similar type is said to inhabit parts of Scotland. Paleo-Atlantids do not comprise an important element in any northern European population. PALEO-INDID Less common term referring to the Veddid and Melanid (Indid-mixed Veddid) elements in the population of the Indian Subcontinent. Melanesid subtype prevalent among the aboriginal population of the Melanesian Archipelago, especially New Caledonia. Paleo-Melanesids are medium-statured and stocky (pyknomorphic). The heads are low and mesocephalic, the faces likewise low and coarse-featured, with broad and fleshy noses, big mouths with thick, non-bulging lips, receding chins, and deep-set eyes. The skin is rather dark, the hair is black and spiral-shaped, and the eyes are brown. Cf. Neo-Melanesid.
PALEO-MONGOLID (Austrid; Tropical Asiatic Race (Agassiz); Palaemongolid (German sp.)) Paedomorphic-infantile, predominantly Mongolid type of southeastern Asia. Paleo-Mongolids have absorbed varying amounts of Australid, Veddid and Negritid. They are characterized by small stature, a low and round face, a wide nose, full lips, a receding chin, and a relatively low frequency of epicanthus. Notable subtypes are Nesid and Palaungid.
PALEO-NEGRID (Palaenegrid (German sp.)) Negrid subtype. The reduced product of interbreeding between Negrids and Bambutids. Paleo-Negrids are characterized by medium to small stature, relatively long trunks, short arms and legs, broad build, short necks and small hands and feet. The head is round and relatively brachycephalic, with vaulted to slightly rounded occiput. The face is wide and relatively low - with men it often approaches a square shape, whereas with women it is usually more rounded. The zygomatic bones are protruding, the nose is small, broad and low-rooted with fleshy, vaulted nostrils, the jaw is prognathous, the chin weak and the lips thick. Beard and body hair growth is often stronger than with other races. The hair is dense, frizzy, short and black. The skin is thick and dark brown, the lips blue-reddish. The eyes are dark-brown.
PALEO-SARDINIAN = Berid, in Biasutti's typology. PALEO-SIBERIAN = East-Sibirid. PALEOSPECIES Group of similar fossils considered to be members of the same species because the range of their morphological variation does not exceed the range of variation of a living species. PALPATION Feeling with the finger or fingers to locate anatomical landmarks.
PALPEBRALE INFERIUS (pi)
The lowest point in the middle of the margin of the lower eyelid.
PALPEBRALE SUPERIUS (ps)
The highest point on the upper margin of the middle portion of the eyelid. The distance between the eyelids when the eye is open. PALPEBRONASAL FOLD PAMIR-FERGANA TYPE
=
Pamirid, in the typology of Yarkho (1933).
PAMIRID (Central Asian Interstream type; Pamir-Fergana type (Yarkho);
Pamiro-Ferganid)
According to
von Eickstedt's typology, Pamirids are relatively unmixed
Europid Turanids
(as opposed to
Turanids showing
Mongolid admixture, namely Aralids).
They are very
brachycephalic (CI
> 85), and may be considered Alpinoid in
some features,
Taurid in others (they are
curvoccipital
rather than
planoccipital). The Pamirid constitutes the prinicipal type of the Tajiks.
PAMPID (Patagonid)
Indianid subtype; Tall to very tall,
broadly-built and robust meso-brachycephals
of the Patagonian grasslands, the pampas and the Gran Chaco. Pampids are
characterized by a supraorbital bulge, a large, rectangular face with
notable facial flatness and narrow eyelid slits with marked "Indian folds". The
nose is straight and narrow to medium broad. The hair is smooth, the skin medium
to light brown with an olive tone.
PANGENESIS
Charles Darwin's
incorrect theory about the inheritance of traits. He proposed that hereditary
particles in the body are affected by the things an individual does during his
or her lifetime. These modified particles were thought to migrate via blood to
the reproductive cells and subsequently could be inherited by the next
generation. This was a variation of Lamarck's incorrect idea of the "inheritance
of acquired characteristics".
PANMIXIS
Random mating throughout a
population. PARALLELISM (parallel
evolution) Similar evolutionary
development in different species lines after
divergence from a common ancestor that had the initial anatomical feature
that led to it. Parallelism is thought to be due primarily to the
independent species lines experiencing the same kinds
of natural selection pressures. Cf.
convergent evolution,
homoplasy.
The
"mode" of
speciation by which a population is dispersed over
a large geographic area, with reduced extent of gene flow throughout the
population, resulting in hybrid zones
between reproductively isolated
species.
PARAPHYLETIC GROUP A set
of species containing an ancestral
species together with some, but not all, of its descendants. The
species included in the group are those that have
continued to resemble the ancestor; the excluded species
have evolved rapidly and no longer
resemble their ancestor.
Measured from nasion anteriorly to
bregma posteriorly, using tape (cf.
parietal chord).
One of the two quadrilateral bones on either side of the
cranium forming part of the superior and lateral surfaces of the
skull, and joining each other in the midline at the sagittal suture. The parietal bones form the greater portion of the sides and roof of the cranial cavity.
Measured from nasion anteriorly to
bregma posteriorly, using sliding
calipers (cf.
parietal arc).
The highest intermediate point between nasion anteriorly
and bregma posteriorly, located with coordinate
calipers.
PATAGONID
= Pampid.
[entry pending]
PERIPATRIC SPECIATION
=
peripheral isolate speciation.
PERIPHERAL ISOLATE
SPECIATION (peripatric
speciation)
A form of
allopatric speciation in
which the new
species
is formed from a
small population
isolated at the
edge of the ancestral population's geographic
range.
PHALIAN/PHALID
= Dalo-Falid.
PHENETIC CLASSIFICATION
A method of classification
in which species are grouped together with other
species that they most closely resemble phenotypically.
The observable or detectable characteristics of an individual organism. The
detectable expression of a genotype.
The vertical groove in the median portion of the
upper lip, just above the vermilion border;
formed where the nasomedial and maxillary processes meet during embryonic
development.
PHILTRUM LENGTH (sn-ls)
The length of the philtrum, measured between
subnasale and
labiale superius.
PHILTRUM WIDTH (cph-cph)
The breadth of the philtrum, measured between the
cristae philtre.
PHYLETIC GRADUALISM
= gradualism.
PHYLOGENY
The tracing of the history
of the evolutionary development of a life
form; the
evolution of a
line.
Taxonomic category ranking
above class and below
kingdom. PHYSICAL
ANTHROPOLOGY (biological anthropology) The study of the mechanisms of biological
evolution, genetic inheritance, human
adaptability and variation, primatology,
primate morphology, and the fossil record of human
evolution. A partial synonym of "racial
anthropology".
PHYSIOGNOMICAL FACE HEIGHT (tr-gn)
The distance between trichion and
gnathion.
PILASTRIC INDEX
A measure of shape at the
midshaft of the femur, the ratio of the anterior-posterior length to the
transverse breadth, multipilied by 100.
PILE-DWELLING
Mediterranid-Alpinid
hybrid, in Czekanowski's typology.
The aperture of the nasal passages in the facial skeleton.
The western subvariety of Silvid,
prevalent in central and northern-central regions of North America (e.g. the
Dakota). Cf. Appalacid.
Possessing a flat occiput;
the opposite of curvoccipital. Cf.
occipital flattening.
PLATYMERIC INDEX
The ratio of the
anteroposterior diameter of the femur to its lateral diameter, multiplied by
100.
Possessing a nasal index
of 51.1 to 58.0;
broad-nosed.
PLESIOMORPHIC
= primitive.
Cf. apomorphy.
PLICA PALPEBRONASALIS
POGONION (pg)
The most anterior single point on the median
sagittal plane of the mandible; the front of the
chin.
POLYCENTRISM
Franz
Weidenreich's theory of multiple centers of human
evolution connected by a network of
genic exchanges.
Inherited trait that is determined by
genes at two or more
loci. Simple Mendelian rules of dominance do not
apply to the complex interaction of these genes.
As a result, phenotypes may appear as apparent blends
or intermediate expressions. Skin and hair color are polygenic traits. Many
polygenic traits are also influenced by environmental factors.
POLYNESID (Amphinesian Race (Huxley); Pacific Race
(Agassiz))
The primary racial type of the Pacific Islands. Polynesids
are tall and robust, with medium-high and slightly angular faces, moderately
broad lips and nose, and wide eyelid apertures. The skin is light brown, the
hair is wavy and black, and the eyes are dark brown. This type is especially
prevalent in Hawaii, Samoa, Tonga, New Zealand, the Society Isles and the Easter
Isles. In Micronesia it is strongly mixed with Melanesids
and Paleo-Mongolids.
POLYPHYLETIC GROUP
A set of
species descended from more than one common ancestor. The ultimate
common ancestor of all species in the group is not a
member of the polyphyletic group.
Taxon
including several
subordinate taxa. A polytypic
species, e.g., is a species
that occurs in two or
more forms (races or
subspecies), such as the regionally differentiated Homo sapiens.
Cf.
monotypic, Rassenkreis.
PONTID (Cherkess type)
Mediterranid subtype. Pontids are found in greatest
concentration in
southeastern
Europe (the Balkans, southern Romania, the Ukraine), and
predominate in regions immediately adjacent to the Black Sea (including parts of
the Caucasus), after
which Bunak named the type (Pontic; to the ancient Greeks,
the Black or Euxine Sea was known as Pontos, "the Sea").
The type is tall (yet not as tall as the
Atlanto-Mediterranid type) and
quite gracile, with smooth facial features, and is characterized by a high
skull, a narrow forehead, somewhat narrow apertures of the eyes, and a lighter pigmentation
compared to the
Mediterranid mean. Cf.
North-Pontid.
Group of
individuals that form a breeding unit.
PORION (po)
Paired points at the most lateral part of the superior margin of the external
auditory meatus. It is used to define the
Frankfort Horizontal Plane
and to measure mastoid length.
PORION-BREGMA HEIGHT (po-b)
Measured with head spanner. Place the two ear rods in the
external auditory meatus on the right and left porions and
the end of the calibrated bar on bregma. Read
porion-bregma height directly from the calibrated bar.
Occipital flattening resulting from
habitual placement of the infant's
head on a hard surface, e.g. a
cradle board.
Cf. annular constriction,
cradling.
POSTAURALE (pa)
The most posterior point on the free margin of the ear.
POSTERIOR (dorsal)
The back side of the body.
POSTORBITAL CONSTRICTION
In superior view, a marked
constriction in the skull immediately behind the
orbits and a
supraorbital torus. PREADAPTATION A characteristic evolved
by an ancestral species or
population that serves an adaptive
though different function in a descendant species or
population.
PREAURALE (pra)
The point at which a straight line from the postaurale,
perpendicular to the long axis of the auricle,
meets the base of the auricle.
A series of Aurignacian
skulls found at Předmost in Moravia, present-day
Slovakia. Dating from ~25,000 BC, they are among the earliest specimens of
modern humans ever excavated. They are rather robust, and it has been theorized that
their features indicate Neanderthal as well as modern Homo sapiens origin.
PRE-PONTID
According to
Lundman’s typology, an
extraordinary dolichocephalic
racial strain, supposedly extinct,
but traces may be found in the Balkans.
PRIMITIVE
(plesiomorphic; protomorphic) Pertaining to
a trait or combination of traits present in an ancestral form. Cf.
progressive. PROCESS Projection or outgrowth of tissue
from a larger body.
Possessing forward-projecting jaws; an angle of -79,9°.
Negrids, Australids and
Veddids exhibit some of the highest
degrees of prognathism of
modern humans.
In certain approaches to
physical anthropology, progressive is a relative term applied to the
antithesis of primitive; "progressive traits"
appear evolutionarily removed (i.e. significantly) from those of an ancestral
form, as contrasted with traits that more nearly recall the latter (="primitive
traits").
PRONASALE (prn)
The most protruded point of the nasal tip.
PROSTHION (pr) (alveon)
The most anterior point on the alveolar border of the maxilla between the
central incisors in the mid-sagittal plane.
Note that in measuring basion-prosthion length
and palate length, prosthion is not positioned on the inferior margin of the
advanced bony parts between the incisors, but is more anteriorly located on the
anterior surface of the alveolar process. In measuring
upper facial height, however, prosthion is
located on the inferior tip of the alveolar process. In cases of a defective or
resorbed alveolar process, determination of prosthion becomes uncertain or
impossible, and upper facial height cannot be
measured.
PROTO-MALAYID (Dayakid (Lundman))
Nesid (Paleo-Mongolid)
subtype principally associated with the Dayak
people of Borneo. Proto-Malayids are mixed with Veddids,
Melanesids and
Negritids, and
retain less of their Mongolid character than do
Deutero-Mongolids.
PROTOMORPHIC
= primitive.
PROXIMAL
Closest part nearest the trunk or head.
PTERIC REGION (pt)
The upper end of the greater wing of the sphenoid, with the bordering bones –
frontal, parietal and
temporal.
A paired point on the upper end of the greater wing of the
sphenoid. This is more often a region than a point.
PUNCTUATED EQUILIBRIUM
(PE, "Punk Eek")
The theory which states that
most biological species
exhibit little
evolutionary change throughout their history, and that when change occurs,
it occurs sporadically and over relatively short periods of time.
The opposite of gradualism.
Cf. stasis.
PUEBLID
A northern subvariety of Centralid, in
Biasutti's typology.
PUNNETT SQUARE
Simple graphical method of showing all of the potential
combinations of offspring genotypes that can
occur and their probability given the parent
genotypes. Punnett squares are commonly used by
genetics counselors to predict the odds of a
couple passing on particular inherited traits.
PYGMID
1. = Bambutid
("African Pygmid"); 2. = Negritid ("Asian
Pygmid")
1) An individual of unusually small size; 2) African
Pygmy, i.e.
Bambutid ("Negrillo",
"African Pygmid").
PYKNIC (endomorphic (Sheldon))
A stocky individual (the opposite of a
leptosome).
Kretschmer considered pyknics to be
more likely to develop manic-depressive disorders.
Approaching the constitution of a pyknic (the opposite of
leptomorphic).
QIANGID (Tibetid)
The Mongolid subtype of the
Tibetans - a blend of mostly Middle-Sinid
with Tungid (Kumid
subtype) and low-level
Europid elements.
QUEENSLAND NEGRITO
= Barrinean. A much debated term, here l RACISM The belief that one race is superior to others. Exhaustive single work of physical anthropology published in 1939 by Carleton S. Coon, Assistant Professor of Anthropology at Harvard University. The 700+ page volume was intended as a follow-up to William Z. Ripley's classic of the same title. The entire volume is available in HTML format on this site. RASSENKREIS ("circle of races") A polytypic species, i.e. a species composed of geographical races or subspecies, as coined by the Neo-Darwinian ornithologist Bernhard Rensch. The genetic union of traits originally associated with diverse parental stocks. RED QUEEN PRINCIPLE The principle, proposed in 1973 by the evolutionary biologist Leigh van Valen (1935 -) which states that for an evolutionary system, continuing development is needed just in order to maintain its fitness relative to the systems with which it is co-evolving. RED RACE = Indianid, in Blumenbach's typology. Evolutionary process resulting in a type which is smaller than its ancestral prototype, and which has changed accordingly in certain proportions (infantilization often results). Bambutids (Pygmies) are extreme examples of reduction. The reappearance of an older racial entity through the vehicle of a mixed population by the mechanism of differential selection.
biacromial diameter * 100
sitting height * 100
span * 100 The inability of a population to interbreed with another, the normal definition of a biological species.
REST POSITION
The inclination of a
line from the top of the external auditory meatus to the lowest point on the
inferior orbital rim when the subject’s head is in normal, relaxed position. Possessing a backward-projecting jaw; An angle of 90+°. (1796 - 1860) An acclaimed Swedish professor of anatomy, whose studies of the human cranium and its measurements engendered the concept of cephalic index and the classifications of dolichocephalic and brachycephalic, the import of which has been inseparably tied to the field of physical anthropology ever since.
American anthropologist. He discarded Deniker's decipartite system (but adopted his use of the term Nordic), and introduced the idea of a tripartite racial typology for Europe, comprising the Nordic (formerly Teutonic), Alpine and Mediterranean races. He considered the Alpine to be the original European race, having originated in Asia before settling in central Europe, and from which the northern (Nordic) and southern (Mediterranean) races had later sprung. Ripley is primarily remembered for his The Races of Europe (1899), in which he outlined his typology using anthropometric measurements. Term used by physical anthropologists and paleoanthropologists to refer to a big-boned and muscular body (characterized by robusticity). Cf. gracile. ROMER'S RULE The generalization that new adaptations are often allowed by evolutionary changes that initially better adapt a species to its old way of life. RUFOUS; RUFOSITY Red-haired; red-hairedness.
The suture uniting the two parietal bones. SAHARID (South-Mediterranean) A tall, gracile and high-skulled Mediterranid found in the southern Iberian Peninsula and North Africa.
A sudden change from one generation to the next, that is large, or very large, in comparison with the usual variation of an organism. Khoisanid subvariety of the Bushmen, characterized by more reduced and infantile features and less Negrid admixture than Khoids.
According to Lundman’s typology, the easternmost of the two East-Baltid subtypes (the other being Tavastid). SCANDO-LAPPID RACE = Lappid, in the typology of Lundman. [entry pending] [entry pending] (1907 - 1997) German anthropologist, among the masters of European statistical physical anthropology. Follow this link for Schwidetzky's racial map of Europe. SELECTION SELECTIVE PRESSURES Forces in the environment that influence reproductive success in individuals. Cf. natural selection. SELLION (s) The deepest point of the nasofrontal angle. Negritos (members of the Negritid race) of the Malay peninsula, characterized by a stature of less than 1.5 meters, a round or intermediate head form, a low and rounded forehead which projects over the nasal root, a short, depressed and pyramid-shaped nose, moderate to full lips, a poorly developed chin, and often slightly projecting jaws. The eyes, which are a deep brown, are wide open and round, and show no obliquity. The hair is dark brown (nearly black) and tightly curled, and the skin is black or very dark brown. Cf. Aeta, Andamanid.
The hereditary differences in morphology between individuals of different sex within the same species, race or subtype. Sexual dimorphism in humans often involves differences in stature, muscular development and general robusticity. Greater sexual dimorphism equals greater differences. A type of natural selection that operates on only one sex within a species. It is the result of competition for mates and it can lead to sexual dimorphism with regard to one or more traits. Cf. fitness. A Paleo-Mongolid and South-Sinid blend, typified by the mostly Burmese Shan.
Arctic Mongolid stock indigenous to Siberia, and comprising the East-Sibirid and West-Sibirid types. The curved upper surface of the ascending ramus of the mandible between the coronoid process and the condyle. SILVID (Eastern American Temperate Race (Agassiz, roughly equivalent)) Indianid type, so named by von Eickstedt. Tall and broadly-built, robust mesocephals of the central and eastern Canadian forest regions, Appalachia (the Mohicans, Delawares, and Iroquois) and the prairies of the Midwest (the Dakota). The Silvid type is characterized by a longish, rectangular face with notable facial flatness, a very striking, narrow to medium-broad nose with a convex and sometimes aquiline profile (Lundman described the type as "dinariomorphic", i.e. dinariform). The eyelids are sometimes narrow and slanting, and featuring epicanthus (most common among women and children). The hair is smooth or tight, and the skin light- to medium-brown with a yellowish, reddish or coppery tinge. There are two subvarieties, the western planid and the eastern appalacid.
The most numerous of the Mongolid varieties, characterized by a high and narrow skull and face (however the face is lower than that of the Tungid type), mesognathy, a high frequency of epicanthus, coarse and straight black (sometimes blue-black) hair, and darker skin and thicker lip s than Tungids. Sinids are found in China, Tibet, and Korea. Subtypes: North-Sinid, Middle-Sinid, South-Sinid.Pertaining to the "Mongolid type" of teeth, characterized by e.g. shovel-shaped incisors, single-rooted upper first premolars, and triple rooted lower first molars. Contrasted with sundadonty. The height of the human body from chair to vertex, taken while the subject is sitting erect. SITTING HEIGHT INDEX (cormic index)
sitting height * 100 = Hallstatt Nordid (in a more general sense than Götatyp), in Lundman's typology. SMALL MEDITERRANEAN = Gracile-Mediterranid, in the typology of Carleton S. Coon. SONORID = Margid, in Biasutti's typology. SOUTH AMERICAN TEMPERATE RACE All South American Indianid types, in the typology of Agassiz. A synonym of Saharid in Lundman’s typology . Alternatively, Mediterranid influenced by Berberid.SOUTH-SINID (Sudsinid (German sp.)) Sinid subtype. South-Sinids are characterized by wider faces and noses, higher cephalic indices, very high height-length indices, lower fat ratios and medium-short stature.
The d istance between the two middle finger tips when the arms are stretched in opposite directions; maximum arm stretch.Evolved for a particular function ; adapted to a limited range of resources. Cf. generalized, overspecialized.The evolution on new biological species. There are four "modes" of speciation: allopatric, parapatric, sympatric and polyploidy. SPECIES (biological species) The basic unit of biodiversity; taxonomic category ranking below genus and above subspecies (race). Biological species are characterized by reproductive isolation. A single, irregular, wedge-shaped bone at the base of the skull, which forms a part of the floor of the anterior, middle, and posterior cranial fossae; this bone is referred to as the keystone of the cranial floor because it articulates with all the other cranial bones. The flat portion of a cranial bone. Selection against extreme forms of a trait. In the case of polygenic traits that are expressed as a continuum of phenotypes, such as stature, it would be selection for people who are in the middle of the range and against those who are very tall or very short. The result would be fewer people who are at the extremes in height. In the case of a trait controlled by only two alleles, it would be selection against both homozygotes and for the heterozygote. An example is nature selecting for people who are heterozygous for the sickle cell allele in a malarial environment. Cf. directional selection, disruptive selection. STAPHYLION (sta) The single point on the posterior hard palate where the palatal suture is crossed by a line drawn tangent to the curves of the posterior margin of the palatal bones. It is used to measure palatal length. Little or no evolutionary change occurring over a long period of time; cf. punctuated equilibrium. Accumulation of fat on the buttocks, a characteristic of Khoisanids and Andamanids, and reported among Bambutids. It is a specifically female trait, but it also occurs, albeit to a much lesser extent, among the men.
STOMION (sto) (point buccal)
The midpoint of the labial fissure when the lips are closed naturally. STRANDID (Keltoïd) Reduced, infantilized, heavily pigmented (brown-eyed, nearly black-haired, and somewhat "swarthy") brachycephals (C.I. 83) of the western Norwegian coast (especially the northwestern provinces, with a focal point in Sunnmøre). Strandids are typically rather euryprosopic, with mesorrhine, concave noses. Judging from their general bodily attributes, they are undoubtedly the products of alpinization (probably local), but the exact derivation of the type is obscured by the lack of relevant skeletal material. Strandid individuals are not numerous, and are usually mixed with the local Borreby, whence it has been suggested that the Strandid is merely a more completely alpinized variety or end-type of this taller, more robust brachycephal. However, this theory raises the question of pigmentation, as Borrebys are rather depigmented on average. An alternate hypothesis involves the alpinization of a Tydal population. The Strandid type may have ties to the western Norwegian Fosna Culture (ca. 8000 BC - 5000 BC).
SUB-ADRIATIC = Norid, according to Deniker's typology.
SUBALARE (sbal)
The point on the lower margin of the base of the nasal ala where the ala
disappears into the upper lip skin. SUBAURALE (sba) The lowest point on the inferior border of the ear lobule. Possessing a cephalic index of 80.01 to 83.33 (according to the French system); moderately round/short/broad-headed. Possessing a cephalic index of 75.01 to 77.77 (according to the French system); moderately long/narrow-headed. SUBLABIALE (sl) The midpoint of the labiomental sulcus. SUBNASALE (sn) (acanthion) In the midline, the junction between the lower border of the nasal septum and the cutaneous portion of the upper lip. In the typologies of Montandon (Subnordique) and Czekanowski, a Nordid altered by Alpinid admixture; predominant in northern France; in Deniker's typology, it signifies a different type. SNPA account here (according to Montandon). Taxonomic category below the level of species, illustrating the evolutionary tendency towards speciation; subspecies differ morphologically, and there is limited gene flow between different subspecies, but no reproductive isolation. The modern human races and their subdivisions may be considered subspecies of the species Homo sapiens. Negrid subtype. The "standard Negrid", associated with the general area extending from Senegambia to central Sudan. Sudanids are tall, broad-shouldered, robust and muscular, and are characterized by prognathism, extremely broad and inflated noses with flattened nasal roots, and characteristically bulging lips. The skull is long and narrow (c.i. 73 - 77), high-vaulted, with a strongly projecting occipital region. The forehead is steep and narrow, and the face is large and rather long. The mouth is quite large, and the ears are small. The chin is weak, and sometimes receding. The skin color is rather dark.
SUDETIAN TYPE (Pre-Slavic type (Czekanowski)) According to Güthher, a small-framed, small-headed meso- to brachycephal found mainly in the Czech Republic. It is characterized by an "egg-shaped" skull, pronounced parietal bones, a slightly rounded occiput, mesoprosopy, pronounced zygomatic bones, a steep, low forehead, a broad flat nose and a protruding jaw. The Sudetian type is dark-haired and dark-eyed. The exact referent of this category is uncertain, as its supposed feature combination is widely dispersed throughout central and eastern Europe, through the medium of several discrete racial types. Cf. Volgid.SUDSINID
=
South-Sinid, German spelling.
Pertaining to the
"Indian
type"
of teeth, as contrasted with sinodonty.
SUPERAURALE (sa)
The highest point on the superior border of the helix.
SUPERCILIARE (sci)
The highest point on the upper margin of the middle portion of the eyebrow.
The browridge area, literally the region above the eyelids.
SUPERIOR (cranial)
SUPERIOR ORBITAL BREADTH (fz-g) (supraorbital
half-breadth)
Measured on the right and left sides of the head using sliding
calipers. Place the tip of the fixed arm at the frontozygomatic suture and slide the arm medially until it touches
glabella.
SUPERIOR
ORBITAL CONTOUR AND SUPERIOR ORBITAL RIM CONTOURS (fz-g-fz)
Measured in relation to
glabella and the
frontozygomatici. SUPERNASALE (spn) A point on the median sagittal plane
where the nose begins to project forward, as indicated by a change of
direction of the profile.
SUPRA-
Prefix meaning above or over.
SUPRAMASTOID RIDGES (mastoid crests)
Bony crests above the mastoids, usually on the temporal
bones alone, but extending in some cases onto the
parietals.
SUPRAORBITAL ARC AND HALF-ARCS
(t-g-t)
Measured in relation to glabella and the
tragia.
SUPRAORBITAL BREADTH (fz-fz)
Measured with spreading calipers. Place tips of the
calipers at the right and left
frontozygomaticus.
SUPRAORBITAL DEPTH (g-t)
Measured between glabella and
tragion.
SUPRAORBITAL HALF-BREADTH
The area of the frontal bone immediately above the
orbits.
An exaggerated form of browridge in which the prominence is continuous.
SURVIVAL OF THE FITTEST
The idea that those individuals in a
species that have characteristics selected
for by nature are biologically the most fit.
They are the ones who more frequently survive to be the parents of the next
generation. The fittest individuals are
not necessarily the strongest, largest, quickest, or smartest. This concept was
central to Charles Darwin's idea of
natural selection.
The evolution of
reproductively isolated populations (species)
inhabiting the same geographical area. SYMPLESIOMORPHY The possession of a character state that is
primitive (plesiomorphic) and shared between two or
more taxa. Shared possession of a symplesiomorph
character state is not evidence that the taxa in
question are related. The possession of
apomorphic features by two or more taxa in common.
If the two groups share a character state that is not the
primitive one, it is plausible that they are
related evolutionarily, and only
synapomorphic character states can be used as evidence that
taxa are related. Phylogenetic trees are built by discovering groups
united by synapomorphies. In the typology of
Lundman, a subvariety of Arabid,
"with a lower frequency of blood type gene r."
TACHE NOIRE ("black spot")
Geographical area characterized by low stature, for whatever reason.
With reference to evolution,
a word coined by G. G. Simpson and pertaining to a rapid rate of
evolutionary change. Cf.
bradytely,
horotely.
TAIGID (Baikal)
Tungid subtype of the
Tungus-speaking region of Siberia, between the Yenisei River and
Chukotka-Kamchatka, and between the Arctic Ocean and China/Mongolia. Tungids are
characterized by short stature, a pyknomorphic
build, a maximal Mongolid facial structure, high
frequency of epicanthus, a low and wide
skull, a very high, wide and flat face,
orthognathism, notable forward projection of
malars, very little nasal projection, and thin lips. The hair is straight and
soft, the eyes and hair are sometimes mixed rather than black, and the skin is
very light, sometimes even approaching Northern European standards. Pilous
development is scant. A lower-faced south Siberian Taigid subvariety may be
distinguished among western Evenks and the Turkic-speaking Tuvans and Tofalars.
Frizzly-haired Australid
subtype which, until the middle of the 19th Century, inhabited most
of Tasmania. Tasmanids are considered extinct, however certain continental Australians claim direct descent from this
population.
Europid parafamily, the
result of a convergent evolutionary tendency,
so named
for the association of such features with the Taurus Mts. in Turkey. The chief
Taurid strains are
Dinarid (Dinarid
proper/Adriatid and Norid)
and Armenoid
(Armenid,
Anatolid and Caucasid/Mtebid).
The
Taurid morphology is characterized by a particular set of features, most
importantly moderately tall to tall stature, a short but rather narrow and planoccipital head, and a large,
convex nose - the result
of a process of dinaricization
upon unrelated stocks,
rather than of mutual origins. Central Asiatics Pamirids may
be considered at least partially Taurid.
According to
Lundman’s typology, the westernmost
of the two East-Baltid subtypes (the
other being Savolaxid). Monophyletic group of organisms recognized as a formal
unit, at any level of a hierarchic classification (pl. taxa).
The branch of science
concerned with the rules of classifying organisms on the basis of
evolutionary relationships.
TEMPERATE
ASIATIC RACE
=
Sinid and Tungid (“Neo-Mongolid”),
in the typology of Agassiz.
One of the two irregular bones on either side of the
skull forming part of the lateral surfaces and base of the
skull, and containing the organs of hearing; the temporal bones form the inferior sides of the
cranium and part of the cranial floor.
TEUTONIC
= Nordid, in
Ripley's
early typology.
TEUTONORDID
= Hallstatt Nordid, in von
Eickstedt's typology.
THOMSON-BUXTON'S RULE
The
biological
rule stating that
populations
living in a cold, dry
environment tend to have smaller nasal indices
(long and
narrow noses), whereas
populations living in warm, humid regions tend to
have large nasal indices (broad
and short noses).
TIBETID
= Qiangid.
One of the several bony ridges or crests which may occur on the
cranium.
TOTAL CRANIOFACIAL HEIGHT (v-gn)
Measured in the midline using double sliding calipers and a level.
TOTAL FACE HEIGHT (morphological
face height) (n-gn)
TOTAL FACIAL INDEX
= facial index.
TRAGION (t)
Located at the notch above the tragus,
where the upper edge of the cartilage
disappears into the skin of the face.
The small cartilaginous projection immediately
in front of the external auditory canal.
TRANSVERSE PLANE (horizontal
plane)
Divides the body into a superior (or upper) and an inferior (or lower) section.
TRICHION (tr)
The midpoint of the hairline.
TROPICAL
ASIATIC RACE
=
Paleo-Mongolid, in the typology of
Agassiz.
A special Scandinavian composite type, morphologically
essentially
Nordid (or Nordoid), and characterized by a certain amount of internal variation
(cf. Hardanger type,
Orkdal type, Valle type). The
principal constituents are a tall, high-headed
Corded variety, a local, mostly unreduced
Cro-Magnid, and elements of
Nordid proper (Hallstatt)
as well as Borreby. SNPA account
here.
One of the two basic Mongolid types of northern Asia,
the other being Sinid. The Tungid is characterized by a
wide face, high cephalic index, low
height-length index, high subcutaneous fat
ratios, extreme Mongolid features (with reference to the
development of epicanthus,
cheekbone
morphology etc.) and moderately tall stature.
Tungids are found in Siberia, Mongolia, and Turkestan, which are all
Altaic-speaking territories. Subtypes: Amur-Sakhalinid,
Taigid, Kumid.
TURANID (Turko-Tatar type (Deniker))
Central Asiatic type, named (and later renamed) by
Deniker (type touranien). In
von Eickstedt's typology, Pamirids
signify relatively
unmixed Turanids, whereas Aralids
are Turanids showing
Mongolid influence of the
Tungid variety. For some anthropologists, the term
still applies in a less specific fashion to Europid-Mongolid
mixed populations of Central Asia.
TURKO-TATAR TYPE (Race turko-tatar)
= Turanid, in
Deniker's later typology.
A very tall, heavily pigmented Cro-Magnoid,
aboriginal to
the central Scandinavian regions. The Tydal type is robust, short-legged and
long-armed, and very dolichocephalic (C.I.
73).
The face is moderately broad to broad, the chin is prominent, the forehead is low and rather steep, the browridges are
strong and the nose is typically short, snubbed and rather wide. The hair is
blackisk brown and the eyes rather dark, and beard growth is strong. The type
was first observed in the Norwegian parish of Tydal in Trøndelag, and its
presence was later documented in adjacent Swedish regions. In all likeliness this unique population
has lived in isolation for millennia, but nowadays the type is dispersed all around the
Scandinavian Peninsula as a result of increased mobility and city-ward
migration, and is nowhere found in any significant concentration. The Tydal type is
generally regarded as a Paleo-Atlantid
variety.
T
TYPE (holotype;
type specimen)
(1) A complete or incomplete specimen which serves as
the base for the name of a taxon; (2) a single
individual used to epitomize a sample.
TYPOLOGY
Classification according to hierarchically arranged sets of diagnostic criteria.
One of the
two “macroraces” of Huxley, including “Bushmen” (Khoisanids),
“Negritos” (Negritids,
excluding
Andamanids),
“Negroes” (Negrids), and “Mincopies” (Andamanids).
Cf. Leiotrichi.
Possessing a cephalic index of
90.0 to 94.9; extremely round-/short-/broad-headed.
Possessing a cephalic index of
55.0 to 59.9; extremely long-/narrow-headed.
UP
UPPER CHEEK DEPTH
UPPER EYELID HEIGHT (os-ps)
Measured between orbitale and
palpebrale superii.
UPPER FACE DEPTH (n-t)
Measured on the left and right sides of the face using spreading
calipers. Place the anterior tip of the
calipers at
the
nasion, and lightly touch the
tragus
with the posterior tip;
reverse for the other side of the face.
UPPER FACE HEIGHT (n-pr)
On the skull, the distance from
nasion to
prosthion; on the living, the distance from
nasion to the lowest point on the gums between the two upper median incisors, corresponding as nearly as possible to the measurement on the
skull.
Measured with sliding calipers.
UPPER FACE INCLINATION (g-sn)
Measured in relation to glabella and
subnasale.
upper face height
* 100
According to Martin (1928):
U.F.I. - 44.9 = hypereuryene
(very long-/narrow-upper-faced)
UPPER LIP HEIGHT (sn-sto)
Measured between stomion and
subnasale.
UPPER LIP INCLINATION (sn-ls)
Measured in relation to subnasale and
labiale superius.
UPPER PALEOLITHIC (UP; archaic spelling: Upper Palaeolithic)
Any of the physical types of Homo sapiens known from the Upper Paleolithic period; sometimes
used exclusively of Cro-Magnoids and their
modern descendants.
UPPER THIRD FACE DEPTH (n-t)
Measured between nasion and
tragion.
UPPER VERMILION HEIGHT (ls-sto)
Measured between stomion and
labiale superius.
URALID
Sometimes used synonymously with
Lappoid, sometimes with reference to other,
slightly obscure Central Asian types.
Cro-Magnid survival in Norway is principally
associated with the inland mountain villages of the southwest. Valle is - or
rather was - one such village isolate. The type in question is
saliently Cro-Magnid in most features,
whilst at the same time generally approaching a Nordid or
Nordoid form (possibly through isolated
gracilization alone). The Valle type may be
considered the southwestern end-point of the Trønder
gradient.
Inherited
differences between individuals; the basis of all
evolutionary change.
The Scandinavian variety of
Dalo-Falid, in the typology of
Lundman.
VEDDID (Dravidian (Deniker and others);
Indo-Aboriginal; Weddid (German sp.))
Southeastern Asian racial type, considered a member of the greater
"Australoid" group,
however the relation to Australids is uncertain and provisional,
and may be nothing but a shared retention of the
generalized Pleistocene human morphology.
Veddids are small-statured, gracile and stocky (pyknomorphic).
The head is moderately low, and the face is roundish and
euryprosopic and often characterized by
strongly developed browridges. The nose is
moderately broad, short and snub, with extended alae,
and the mouth is "childlike", bending down at the corners. The skin tone varies
between medium and very dark brown,
the hair is wavy and black, and the eyes are brown. Veddids are most common in
the forest mountains of India and the park jungles of Sri Lanka (the
Gondid and Malid,
incl. transitional Indo-Melanid
and Melanid varieties); they constitute
an important element in the population of the Indian Subcontinent. Their
eastward distribution from India is characterized by a sliding transition to
Paleo-Mongolids.
Relating to or situated on or
close to the anterior aspect of the body.
VERTEX (v)
The highest single point on the midsagittal section of the
skull when positioned
in the Frankfort Horizontal
Plane.
In Deniker’s
typology, a sub-variety of his Oriental type.
According to Lundman,
a very small, dark, high-skulled and
dolichocephalic type of eastern Russia; it is characterized by a broad,
somewhat primitive face and a small, plump nose.
According to Lundman, this type is also found westward to Bohemia, where it is
known as the "Sudeten-race". The exact referent of this category is uncertain,
as its supposed feature combination is widely dispersed throughout central and
eastern Europe, through the medium of several discrete racial types. Cf.
Sudetian type.
A roughly triangular bone that forms the inferior and posterior of the nasal septum.
VON LUSCHAN CHROMATIC SCALE
A standard skin colour determination reference, used by
such prominent anthropologists as Carleton
S. Coon.
VORDERASIATISCHER TYPUS ("Hither-Asiatic type")
= Armenid, in the
typology of Günther.
Specific Borreby-Alpinid
blended type associated with the Belgian Walloons.
WEDDID
= Veddid, German spelling.
WEST-ALPINID
= Alpinid, i.e. the
western-central European variety, as opposed to Gorid;
sometimes applies specifically to the French Alpinids.
A largely unreduced, only slightly
balticized
Cro-Magnid (East-Cro-Magnid).
It represents one
endpoint of the "Baltid continuum", opposite to
East-Baltid (or
Lappoid, in a broader sense). It is found in
the Baltics, and to a lesser extent in Scandinavia and northeastern Germany, and
is transitional to Dalo-Falid and
Borreby types.
WESTERN
AMERICAN TEMPERATE RACE
Roughly
equivalent to Pacifid, in the typology of
Agassiz.
WESTERN EUROPEAN
= (West-)Alpinid, in
Deniker's typology.
WESTISCH ("Western")
= Mediterranid, in
Günther's typology.
WEST-MEDITERRANEAN
= Gracile-Mediterranid,
in Lundman's typology.
Arctic Mongolid variety, characterized by a convex nose, a
receding forehead and darker pigmentation as compared to surrounding groups. The
West-Sibirid type approached Indianid in
several respects. It is found among peoples of West Siberia, e.g. Kets, Mansis,
Nenets, Dolgans, and Nganasans. Cf. Sibirid,
East-Sibirid.
WHITE RACE = Europid, in
Blumenbach's typology.
"Fair whites" of northern
Europe, in Huxley's
typology. They and the
Melanochroi
constitute the two main branches of the white ("Caucasic") race,
according to his (rather outdated) system. YELLOW RACE = Mongolid (excluding
Indianid), in Blumenbach's typology.
ZENTRALID
= Centralid, German spelling.
ZYGION (zy)
The most laterally positioned point on the zygomatic
arches. The position of zygion is defined from the measurement of
bizygomatic breadth.
The bony arch, formed of portions of the malar and
temporal bones, which encloses the temporal muscles and serves as the upper attachment of the masseter.
ZYGOMATIC BONES (malars;
cheekbones)
The triangular bones on either side of the face below the eyes. They form the prominences of the cheeks and part of the outer wall and floor of the
orbits.
The temporal and
maxilla bones,
which border on the zygomatic.
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