Size Variation in Small-Bodied Humans from Palau, Micronesia
Author Information
Author(s): Andrew Gallagher
Primary Institution: University of the Witwatersrand
Hypothesis
Does the skeletal sample from Palau fall within observed morphological size ranges of extant small-bodied humans and is the skeletal sample homogenous or heterogenous?
Conclusion
The study confirms that the earliest colonists of Palau were small-bodied and that within-situ size reduction cannot be substantiated by current evidence.
Supporting Evidence
- The Palau postcranial sample is confirmed to be small-bodied.
- Statistical analyses support the conclusion that the pioneer colonists of Palau were small-bodied.
- The study provides no support for the hypothesis that two distinct size morphs are represented.
Takeaway
Scientists studied old bones from Palau and found that the people who lived there a long time ago were small, and they didn't get smaller over time.
Methodology
Postcranial specimens from Palau were assessed using resampling statistical approaches to test hypotheses relating to body size.
Limitations
Current contextual and chronological ambiguity at Omedokel cave compromises a hypothesis of insular dwarfism.
Participant Demographics
The study focused on prehistoric humans from Palau.
Statistical Information
P-Value
0.001
Confidence Interval
95% CI
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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