Abstract
The aims of this study were threefold. Firstly, to capture, through the use of linear metrics, the growth changes seen in the postcranial skeleton of Papio ursinus. Secondly, to produce an illustrative guide to the identification of the developing Papio ursinus skeleton, from infant to adult. Thirdly, to document the degree of sexual dimorphism between adults. To achieve these aims, postcranial material from 49 individuals were measured and photographed. Of these 49 individuals, there was 1 neonate, 9 infants, 10 juveniles, 12 subadults, 10 adults and 7 old adults. A total of 1351 skeletal elements were examined in this study. A total of 29 skeletons could be sexed, of which 13 were male and 16 were female.
The developing postcranial skeleton of baboons is under studied, and few guides are available for the identification of this species at a young age. This thesis provides an illustrative guide to the developing baboon skeleton, with most elements represented in four age categories (infant, juvenile, subadult, and adult). Further, a metric range is also presented along with these images to assist in the accurate identification of the young baboon skeleton.
Independent sample T-tests were conducted to determine whether there is a statistical, significant difference between mean measures for male and female adults. This, in conjunction with an index of sexual dimorphism produced an accurate gauge for the degree of difference in size between the sexes. In all cases, males were found to be larger than females, the degree of this difference varying between elements.
In addition, stepwise discriminant function analysis on the measurements for the long bones, showed that when selected variables are used, the humerus, ulna, radius, femur, and tibia can...
M.A. (Anthropology)