The Ngaloba specimen (LH 18) from Lateoli, Tanzania, includes a partial maxilla and largely intac... more The Ngaloba specimen (LH 18) from Lateoli, Tanzania, includes a partial maxilla and largely intact cranial vault. LH18 represents an important stage in the mid-Pleistocene Homo fossil record (205 ± 17 ka or 290 ± 25 ka) and expresses several primitive and derived craniofacial features. Although the cranium was found in several pieces and underwent post-mortem deformation, reconstructions have allowed for morphological comparisons. Some researchers argue that Ngaloba's general maxillary shape, reduced prognathism, and reduced robusticity align the specimen with modern humans, while others argue that intermediate alveolar prognathism and short maxilla place it in the archaic grade. Taxonomic placement of LH 18 is further complicated by the ever-changing shape of the specimen. Here, we demonstrate four events in which a portion of the right zygomaticoalveolar crest is originally attached, then re-attached incorrectly, is absent, and then is re-attached and further rotated incorrectly. The left portion of the maxilla also demonstrates post recovery wear and breakage, with palate expansion. Through analyses of 3D surface and CT scans in Geomagic Design X, we qualitatively and quantitatively assess the various shapes the maxilla has taken. Implications for comparative studies utilizing this specimen are also discussed. While this research highlights recent changes in LH 18, it also demonstrates the importance of scanning original specimens, and the need for supporting proper curation techniques at museums. Accordingly, this research also demonstrates the particular needs of the National Museum of Tanzania to safeguard fossil specimens for future research. Abstract One CT and three 3D laser scans were analyzed (Fig 1): University of Vienna CT Scan (1998); L. Schroeder's scan of the fossil (2010); K. Bergstrom's scan of the fossil (2016); and a scan of the first generation cast from the Kenyan National Museum. The Vienna CT Scan was generated using a Siemens, SOMATOM Plus 40 at 1 mm thickness in 66 slices with a 0.51563mm Voxel height and width. A 3D digital isosurface was created from DICOMs in Amira V6.3. All 3D laser scans were taken using a NextEngine Desktop Laser Scanner using similar scanning and processing protocal. Geomagic Control X (Cx) was used to compare topology of the models generated from the Vienna CT, Schroeder, and Bergstrom scans to the Cast scan (Fig 2) with a tolerance level of 1 mm.
Bone surface modification features provide insightful depositional environment and peri- and post... more Bone surface modification features provide insightful depositional environment and peri- and post-mortem histories of vertebrate fossil faunal assemblages. Insect-induced bone modification features in fossil assemblages from hominin sites in East Africa is well documented and its utility in paleoecological reconstructions has increased tremendously. A detailed taphonomic study for surface modification on 1,448 bones from the Upper Laetolil Bed fossil faunal assemblage at Localities 7, 8, and 9 was visually and microscopically carried out in order to establish their damage patterns. The following components were investigated for this study of bone surface modification including: (a) breakage pattern (including trampling), cracking; (b) insect damage, weathering; (c) abrasion, polishing, and surface marks (carnivore and rodent teeth marks); and (d) bioturbation. Results from our preliminary analysis identified taphonomic signatures helpful in establishing depositional environments at Laetoli 3.56 million years ago, where over 13% of the analyzed bones bear insect-related surface modification (star-shaped, U-, and V-shaped marks and grooving), 10% rounding and polishing, 49% pitting and etching, and 29% desquamation. This study also considered other taphonomic variables such as bone breakage pattern and orientation and skeletal parts representation in the assemblage, which provided important information on fossil preservation at Laetoli. Acknowledgements: 1. College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, University of Collorado Denver (CLAS Research Grant to CM) 2. Bugando University College of Health Sciences, Mwanza, Tanzania 3. Department of Prehistory, Complutense University of Madrid, Spain 4. Department of Antiquities, Ministry of Natural Resources and Tourism 5. Fundacion Dinopolis Teruell, Spain
The Laetoli paleoanthropological site in northern Tanzania continues to produce fossil mammalian ... more The Laetoli paleoanthropological site in northern Tanzania continues to produce fossil mammalian remains that help us understand hominin origins and their associated depositional environs. The continued joint field school in paleoanthropology at Laetoli, which is coordinated by the University of Colorado-Denver, Weill-Bugando University College of Health Sciences, and the University of Calgary, has recently recovered some australopithecine cranial and postcranial remains from Localities 7 and 10 within the Upper Laetolil Beds. In this paper we provide preliminary description of the geological and taphonomic context associated with the recently recovered hominin remains from Laetoli. Acknowledgements: University of Colorado Denver, Office of International Affairs Weill-Bugando University College of Health Sciences, Antiquities Department, Ministry of Natural Resources and Tourism Ngorngoro Conservation Area Authroity Commission for Science and Technology, Tanzania Regional Archaeology Museum of Madrid, Spain Foundation Dinopolis, Spain University of Calgary.
Through the use of publications and their cited references harvested from Scopus, we generated an... more Through the use of publications and their cited references harvested from Scopus, we generated an interactive directed bipartite citation network for geometric morphometric applications in anthropology using Gephi 0.9.1. The network was subsequently filtered to include only those nodes with a degree of two or higher. InDegree and OutDegree were
used to identify and illustrate publications and references central to each of the communities identified in the study. Using the citation network as an epistemological tool, practitioners can identify schools of thought or practice, references with the highest overall authority, references central to each school of thought or practice, and the within-field publications that are cited most. Practitioners may then view and actively explore the progression of those publications, and the references that they cited, in graphical form.
The production of three-dimensional (3D) digital meshes of surface and computed tomographic (CT) ... more The production of three-dimensional (3D) digital meshes of surface and computed tomographic (CT) data has become widespread in morphometric analyses of anthropological and archaeological data. Given that processing methods are not standardized, this leaves questions regarding the comparability of processed and digitally curated 3D datasets. The goal of this study was to identify those processing parameters that result in the most consistent fit between CT-derived meshes and a 3D surface model of the same human mandible. Eight meshes, each using unique thresholding and smoothing parameters, were compared to assess whole-object deviations, deviations along curves, and deviations between specific anatomical features on the surface model when compared with the CT scans using a suite of comparison points. Based on calculated gap distances, the mesh that thresholded at "0" with an applied smoothing technique was found to deviate least from the surface model, although it is not the most biologically accurate. Results have implications for aggregated studies that employ multimodal 3D datasets, and caution is recommended for studies that enlist 3D data from websites and digital repositories, particularly if processing parameters are unknown or derived for studies with different research foci.
Isimila is a Middle Pleistocene archaeological site located in southern Tanzania. The site is kno... more Isimila is a Middle Pleistocene archaeological site located in southern Tanzania. The site is known for large surface assemblages of later Acheulean lithics such as hand axes, cleavers, scrapers, and cores. While hominin remains have yet to be discovered at the site, Isimila offers a unique window into Middle Pleistocene Homo behavior. Although Isimila has been studied extensively, the last published map of the site and surrounding area was made available in the 1970s. Here, we present an updated high-resolution map of Isimila. Data for the map were collected during aerial survey with an uncrewed/unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV). With this map, we identify new archaeological localities, erosional patterns, newly exposed geological features, and changes in site topography. The map reveals patterns of stone tool and raw material distribution that may support previous hypotheses of raw material transport into the area by hominins. This open-access map establishes a baseline for tracking c...
Isimila is a Middle Pleistocene archaeological site located in southern Tanzania. The site is kno... more Isimila is a Middle Pleistocene archaeological site located in southern Tanzania. The site is known for large surface assemblages of later Acheulean lithics such as hand axes, cleavers, scrapers and cores. While hominin remains have yet to be discovered at the site, Isimila offers a unique window into Middle Pleistocene Homo behaviour. Although Isimila has been studied extensively, the last published map of the site and surrounding area was made available in the 1970s. Here, we present an updated high-resolution map of Isimila. Data for the map were collected during aerial survey with an uncrewed(unmanned) aerial vehicle. With this map, we identified new archaeological localities, erosional patterns, newly exposed geological features and changes in site topography. The map demonstrates patterns of stone tool and raw material distribution that may support previous hypotheses of short-distance raw material transport into the area by hominins. This open-access map establishes a baseline for tracking changes to site topography in the future and serves as a unique tool to enable collaboration between researchers, museum personnel and local populations to better conserve Isimila. Significance: • New potential archaeological localities and significant changes to erosional patterns at Isimila were identified. • The open access map and associated raw data provided enable researchers to track seasonal and erosional changes and anthropogenic effects, and to develop protocols for conservation of this unique site.
The Ngaloba specimen (LH 18) from Lateoli, Tanzania, includes a partial maxilla and largely intac... more The Ngaloba specimen (LH 18) from Lateoli, Tanzania, includes a partial maxilla and largely intact cranial vault. LH18 represents an important stage in the mid-Pleistocene Homo fossil record (205 ± 17 ka or 290 ± 25 ka) and expresses several primitive and derived craniofacial features. Although the cranium was found in several pieces and underwent post-mortem deformation, reconstructions have allowed for morphological comparisons. Some researchers argue that Ngaloba's general maxillary shape, reduced prognathism, and reduced robusticity align the specimen with modern humans, while others argue that intermediate alveolar prognathism and short maxilla place it in the archaic grade. Taxonomic placement of LH 18 is further complicated by the ever-changing shape of the specimen. Here, we demonstrate four events in which a portion of the right zygomaticoalveolar crest is originally attached, then re-attached incorrectly, is absent, and then is re-attached and further rotated incorrectly. The left portion of the maxilla also demonstrates post recovery wear and breakage, with palate expansion. Through analyses of 3D surface and CT scans in Geomagic Design X, we qualitatively and quantitatively assess the various shapes the maxilla has taken. Implications for comparative studies utilizing this specimen are also discussed. While this research highlights recent changes in LH 18, it also demonstrates the importance of scanning original specimens, and the need for supporting proper curation techniques at museums. Accordingly, this research also demonstrates the particular needs of the National Museum of Tanzania to safeguard fossil specimens for future research. Abstract One CT and three 3D laser scans were analyzed (Fig 1): University of Vienna CT Scan (1998); L. Schroeder's scan of the fossil (2010); K. Bergstrom's scan of the fossil (2016); and a scan of the first generation cast from the Kenyan National Museum. The Vienna CT Scan was generated using a Siemens, SOMATOM Plus 40 at 1 mm thickness in 66 slices with a 0.51563mm Voxel height and width. A 3D digital isosurface was created from DICOMs in Amira V6.3. All 3D laser scans were taken using a NextEngine Desktop Laser Scanner using similar scanning and processing protocal. Geomagic Control X (Cx) was used to compare topology of the models generated from the Vienna CT, Schroeder, and Bergstrom scans to the Cast scan (Fig 2) with a tolerance level of 1 mm.
Bone surface modification features provide insightful depositional environment and peri- and post... more Bone surface modification features provide insightful depositional environment and peri- and post-mortem histories of vertebrate fossil faunal assemblages. Insect-induced bone modification features in fossil assemblages from hominin sites in East Africa is well documented and its utility in paleoecological reconstructions has increased tremendously. A detailed taphonomic study for surface modification on 1,448 bones from the Upper Laetolil Bed fossil faunal assemblage at Localities 7, 8, and 9 was visually and microscopically carried out in order to establish their damage patterns. The following components were investigated for this study of bone surface modification including: (a) breakage pattern (including trampling), cracking; (b) insect damage, weathering; (c) abrasion, polishing, and surface marks (carnivore and rodent teeth marks); and (d) bioturbation. Results from our preliminary analysis identified taphonomic signatures helpful in establishing depositional environments at Laetoli 3.56 million years ago, where over 13% of the analyzed bones bear insect-related surface modification (star-shaped, U-, and V-shaped marks and grooving), 10% rounding and polishing, 49% pitting and etching, and 29% desquamation. This study also considered other taphonomic variables such as bone breakage pattern and orientation and skeletal parts representation in the assemblage, which provided important information on fossil preservation at Laetoli. Acknowledgements: 1. College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, University of Collorado Denver (CLAS Research Grant to CM) 2. Bugando University College of Health Sciences, Mwanza, Tanzania 3. Department of Prehistory, Complutense University of Madrid, Spain 4. Department of Antiquities, Ministry of Natural Resources and Tourism 5. Fundacion Dinopolis Teruell, Spain
The Laetoli paleoanthropological site in northern Tanzania continues to produce fossil mammalian ... more The Laetoli paleoanthropological site in northern Tanzania continues to produce fossil mammalian remains that help us understand hominin origins and their associated depositional environs. The continued joint field school in paleoanthropology at Laetoli, which is coordinated by the University of Colorado-Denver, Weill-Bugando University College of Health Sciences, and the University of Calgary, has recently recovered some australopithecine cranial and postcranial remains from Localities 7 and 10 within the Upper Laetolil Beds. In this paper we provide preliminary description of the geological and taphonomic context associated with the recently recovered hominin remains from Laetoli. Acknowledgements: University of Colorado Denver, Office of International Affairs Weill-Bugando University College of Health Sciences, Antiquities Department, Ministry of Natural Resources and Tourism Ngorngoro Conservation Area Authroity Commission for Science and Technology, Tanzania Regional Archaeology Museum of Madrid, Spain Foundation Dinopolis, Spain University of Calgary.
Through the use of publications and their cited references harvested from Scopus, we generated an... more Through the use of publications and their cited references harvested from Scopus, we generated an interactive directed bipartite citation network for geometric morphometric applications in anthropology using Gephi 0.9.1. The network was subsequently filtered to include only those nodes with a degree of two or higher. InDegree and OutDegree were
used to identify and illustrate publications and references central to each of the communities identified in the study. Using the citation network as an epistemological tool, practitioners can identify schools of thought or practice, references with the highest overall authority, references central to each school of thought or practice, and the within-field publications that are cited most. Practitioners may then view and actively explore the progression of those publications, and the references that they cited, in graphical form.
The production of three-dimensional (3D) digital meshes of surface and computed tomographic (CT) ... more The production of three-dimensional (3D) digital meshes of surface and computed tomographic (CT) data has become widespread in morphometric analyses of anthropological and archaeological data. Given that processing methods are not standardized, this leaves questions regarding the comparability of processed and digitally curated 3D datasets. The goal of this study was to identify those processing parameters that result in the most consistent fit between CT-derived meshes and a 3D surface model of the same human mandible. Eight meshes, each using unique thresholding and smoothing parameters, were compared to assess whole-object deviations, deviations along curves, and deviations between specific anatomical features on the surface model when compared with the CT scans using a suite of comparison points. Based on calculated gap distances, the mesh that thresholded at "0" with an applied smoothing technique was found to deviate least from the surface model, although it is not the most biologically accurate. Results have implications for aggregated studies that employ multimodal 3D datasets, and caution is recommended for studies that enlist 3D data from websites and digital repositories, particularly if processing parameters are unknown or derived for studies with different research foci.
Isimila is a Middle Pleistocene archaeological site located in southern Tanzania. The site is kno... more Isimila is a Middle Pleistocene archaeological site located in southern Tanzania. The site is known for large surface assemblages of later Acheulean lithics such as hand axes, cleavers, scrapers, and cores. While hominin remains have yet to be discovered at the site, Isimila offers a unique window into Middle Pleistocene Homo behavior. Although Isimila has been studied extensively, the last published map of the site and surrounding area was made available in the 1970s. Here, we present an updated high-resolution map of Isimila. Data for the map were collected during aerial survey with an uncrewed/unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV). With this map, we identify new archaeological localities, erosional patterns, newly exposed geological features, and changes in site topography. The map reveals patterns of stone tool and raw material distribution that may support previous hypotheses of raw material transport into the area by hominins. This open-access map establishes a baseline for tracking c...
Isimila is a Middle Pleistocene archaeological site located in southern Tanzania. The site is kno... more Isimila is a Middle Pleistocene archaeological site located in southern Tanzania. The site is known for large surface assemblages of later Acheulean lithics such as hand axes, cleavers, scrapers and cores. While hominin remains have yet to be discovered at the site, Isimila offers a unique window into Middle Pleistocene Homo behaviour. Although Isimila has been studied extensively, the last published map of the site and surrounding area was made available in the 1970s. Here, we present an updated high-resolution map of Isimila. Data for the map were collected during aerial survey with an uncrewed(unmanned) aerial vehicle. With this map, we identified new archaeological localities, erosional patterns, newly exposed geological features and changes in site topography. The map demonstrates patterns of stone tool and raw material distribution that may support previous hypotheses of short-distance raw material transport into the area by hominins. This open-access map establishes a baseline for tracking changes to site topography in the future and serves as a unique tool to enable collaboration between researchers, museum personnel and local populations to better conserve Isimila. Significance: • New potential archaeological localities and significant changes to erosional patterns at Isimila were identified. • The open access map and associated raw data provided enable researchers to track seasonal and erosional changes and anthropogenic effects, and to develop protocols for conservation of this unique site.
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Acknowledgements: 1. College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, University of Collorado Denver (CLAS Research Grant to CM) 2. Bugando University College of Health Sciences, Mwanza, Tanzania 3. Department of Prehistory, Complutense University of Madrid, Spain 4. Department of Antiquities, Ministry of Natural Resources and Tourism 5. Fundacion Dinopolis Teruell, Spain
Acknowledgements:
University of Colorado Denver, Office of International Affairs Weill-Bugando University College of Health Sciences, Antiquities Department, Ministry of Natural Resources and Tourism Ngorngoro Conservation Area Authroity Commission for Science and Technology, Tanzania Regional Archaeology Museum of Madrid, Spain Foundation Dinopolis, Spain University of Calgary.
Network Analysis
used to identify and illustrate publications and references central to each of the communities identified in the study. Using the citation network as an epistemological tool, practitioners can identify schools of thought or practice, references with the highest overall authority, references central to each school of thought or practice, and the within-field publications that are cited most. Practitioners may then view and actively explore the progression of those publications, and the references that they cited, in graphical form.
For the current Network-please see http://crhr-archive.sfasu.edu/GMMAnthIntFig1/
Papers
Acknowledgements: 1. College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, University of Collorado Denver (CLAS Research Grant to CM) 2. Bugando University College of Health Sciences, Mwanza, Tanzania 3. Department of Prehistory, Complutense University of Madrid, Spain 4. Department of Antiquities, Ministry of Natural Resources and Tourism 5. Fundacion Dinopolis Teruell, Spain
Acknowledgements:
University of Colorado Denver, Office of International Affairs Weill-Bugando University College of Health Sciences, Antiquities Department, Ministry of Natural Resources and Tourism Ngorngoro Conservation Area Authroity Commission for Science and Technology, Tanzania Regional Archaeology Museum of Madrid, Spain Foundation Dinopolis, Spain University of Calgary.
used to identify and illustrate publications and references central to each of the communities identified in the study. Using the citation network as an epistemological tool, practitioners can identify schools of thought or practice, references with the highest overall authority, references central to each school of thought or practice, and the within-field publications that are cited most. Practitioners may then view and actively explore the progression of those publications, and the references that they cited, in graphical form.
For the current Network-please see http://crhr-archive.sfasu.edu/GMMAnthIntFig1/