Abstract

The comparative morphology of the jaws, temporomandibular region and cranial base is central to both the taxonomy and functional interpretation of fossil hominins. For example, Kimbel and colleagues in 2014, have noted that relative bicarotid canal width in humans, Ardipithecus and australopiths differs fundamentally from that of chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes). Interesting questions arise whether the same differences exist between other neurovascular (e.g. the foramen magnum) and also musculoskeletal landmarks (e.g. pharynx boundaries) on the cranial base exist in modern humans and Pan and at what age after birth such differences are established. Aged growth series of chimpanzee and human cadavers are used to describe and quantify species-specific differences in postnatal growth patterns in order to explore some answers to these questions.