A new study published in PLOS One suggests the chin is probably a byproduct of other changes in the skull rather than a feature made by direct selection. The research was led by a biological anthropologist at the University at Buffalo.
The researchers compared cranial traits of apes and humans and tested whether chin changes fit a random, neutral model. They found some selection on parts of the skull, but chin-specific traits match the idea of a spandrel, a side effect of other changes.
Difficult words
- byproduct — something produced as an unintended result
- selection — process where traits become more common
- anthropologist — scientist who studies people and their past
- cranial — related to the bones of the head
- spandrel — a side effect that is not directly selected
- neutral — not caused by selection; random change
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Discussion questions
- Do you agree the chin could be a byproduct of other changes? Why?
- Would you like to learn more about human evolution or anthropology? Why or why not?
- Can you think of another human trait that might be a side effect of other changes?
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