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SUMMARY:The functional significance of facial differences among recent hom
 inins - Prof Dr Paul O'Higgins\, Centre for Anatomical & Human Sciences\, 
 Department of Archaeology and Hull York Medical School\, University of Yor
 k
DTSTART:20161102T163000Z
DTEND:20161102T173000Z
UID:TALK68651@talks.cam.ac.uk
CONTACT:Ann Van Baelen
DESCRIPTION:Significant and sometimes dramatic changes in craniofacial ske
 letal form occurred during hominin evolution. These changes are often expl
 ained in terms of differences in diet\, lifestyle and social structure. In
  order to test functional hypotheses\, functional data from different morp
 hs are required. Recent advances in methods for virtual functional simulat
 ion have revolutionised our ability to predict function from fossilised sk
 eletal remains\, but how reliable are these approaches and what are their 
 limits?\n \nIn this presentation the applicability of multibody dynamics\,
  finite element analysis and geometric morphometrics  to investigations of
  how cranial form and function interact will be reviewed with a focus on t
 he benefits and limitations of these approaches. This review will be illus
 trated by a series of studies of fossil hominins and other primates that h
 ave cast new light on\, among other things\, the impact of variations in f
 acial  form on the ability of the cranium to resist biting and the mechani
 cal significance of cranial sinuses and browridges. The presentation will 
 end with a consideration of future prospects in this rapidly emerging and 
 changing area of enquiry. \n
LOCATION:Seminar Room\, Henry Wellcome Building\, Division of Biological A
 nthropology\, Fitzwilliam Street\, Cambridge\, CB2 3QG
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