The Shanidar Neandertals

The Shanidar Neandertals describes the functional morphology of the Neanderthals and their place in human evolution based on a paleontological study of fossils discovered at Shanidar Cave in northeastern Iraq. Functional interpretations are provided that describe and discuss the individual fossils. The phylogenetic implications of the Shanidar specimens are also discussed.

Comprised of 14 chapters, this book begins with an overview of the Neanderthal remains from the Shanidar Cave and the paleontological data obtained from the fossils. The discussion then turns to the history of the excavations in Shanidar Cave and the discoveries of the Neanderthals; morphometrics of the Shanidar remains; and determination of the age and sex of the Shanidar Neanderthals. Subsequent chapters focus on various aspects of the Neanderthal fossils, including the cranial and mandibular remains; the dental remains; the axial skeleton; and the upper and lower limb remains. The immature remains are also described, along with bodily proportions and the estimation of stature.

This monograph will be of interest to archaeologists, anthropologists, paleontologists, and paleopathologists.

Contenu

Figures
Tables
Preface
Acknowledgments

1. Introduction
2. Shanidar Cave and the Discovery of the Shanidar Neandertals
   The Site of Shanidar Cave
   History of Excavations
   The Neandertal Partial Skeletons
3. Morphometric Considerations
4. Age and Sex of the Shanidar Neandertals
   Age
   Sex
   Summary
5. The Cranial and Mandibular Remains
   Shanidar 1
   Shanidar 2
   Shanidar 4
   Shanidar 5
   Shanidar 6
   Shanidar 8
   Artificial Deformation of the Shanidar 1 and 5 Crania
   Summary of the Shanidar Skull Morphology
6. The Dental Remains
   Shanidar 1
   Shanidar 2
   Shanidar 3
   Shanidar 4
   Shanidar 5
   Shanidar 6
   Anterior Dental Remains
   Posterior Dental Remains
   Taurodontism
   Summary
7. The Axial Skeleton
   Cervical Vertebrae
   Thoracic Vertebrae
   Lumbar Vertebrae
   Sacrum
   Coccygeal Vertebra
   Ribs
   Sternum
   Summary
8. The Upper Limb Remains
   Clavicles
   Scapulae
   Humeri
   Ulnae
   Radii
   Hand Remains
   Summary
9. The Lower Limb Remains
   Innominate Bones
   Femora
   Patellae
   Tibiae
   Fibulae
   Foot Remains
   Summary
10. The Immature Remains
    Cranial Remains
    Dentition
    Axial Skeleton
    Upper Limb Remains
    Lower Limb Remains
    Summary
11. Bodily Proportions and the Estimation of Stature
    Bodily Proportions
    Estimation of Stature
12. The Paleopathology of the Shanidar Neandertals
    Shanidar
    Shanidar
    Shanidar
    Shanidar
    Shanidar
    Shanidar
    Shanidar
    Summary
13. Significant Aspects of the Shanidar Neandertals
    The Shanidar Sample
    The Shanidar Fossils as Neandertals
    Evolutionary Trends in the Shanidar Sample
    The Shanidar Neandertals as Near Eastern Fossil Hominids
    Phylogenetic Implications of the Shanidar Neandertals
    Behavioral Implications of the Shanidar Neandertals
    Conclusion
14. Some Thoughts on the Evolution of the Neandertals
    Historical Background
    Phylogenetic Relationships
    Neandertal Behavior
    Conclusion
    References
    Index