The interpretation of the evolution of human manipulative and locomotor behavior from hominid fossil remains during the Pleistocene requires a clear distinction between changes in relative musculo-skeletal massiveness indicating different levels of activity (robusticity) and alterations in form implying contrasting patterns or frequencies of behavior. A review of ongoing research on Neandertal appendicular morphology with respect to the scapulo-humeral articulation, the pollical and mid-carpal carpo-metacarpal articulations, proximal femoral trabecular orientation, femoral diaphyseal cross-sectional geometry, and proximal pedal phalangeal diaphyseal proportions illustrate the nature of the problems associated with making distinctions between robusticity and shape in fossil hominid remains. Nonetheless, it is apparent that differences in shape, in addition to contrasts in robusticity, exist between the Neandertals and modern humans.
A virtually complete skeleton recovered from excavations in a Late Upper Paleolithic context by Cardini between 1940 and 1942 at the Arene Candide cave (NW Italy) lacks the normal development of the left and right lesser trochanters. The specimen is a short-statured male about 25 years old and shows no other especially peculiar skeletal irregularities, except for high negative angles of femoral torsion. We discuss a number of possible etiologies for the anomalous absence of the lesser trochanters. The condition is most likely a result of an epigenetic effect or a traumatic avulsion of both lesser trochanters. If the absence of normal development of the lesser trochanters involves a congenital condition, it is an extremely rare, previously undescribed trait. If the condition results from bilateral traumatic avulsion, it is probably the result of excessive muscular stress on the proximal femur and provides further evidence of hardship of life in Paleolithic populations and of the ability of these people to survive debilitating trauma.
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