The upcoming Paleoanthropology conference also has two talks which argue
that Neanderthals are different species (let no one say that I don't point
out material that disagrees with my position). The first study examined
teeth and decided that Neanderthal teeth have unique traits not found in
modern men. The report says:
" In addition to confirming an overall unique dental pattern, the findings
of this study suggest the presence of Neandertal dental autapomorphies.
These include a high frequency of the mid-trigonid crest in lower molars and
unique morphology of the lower premolars."
Reconstructing Neandertal postcanine trait polarity: the cheek teeth speak
S.E. Bailey
http://www.paleoanthro.org/asbt2001.htm
The other study looked at the temporal bone. They concluded:
"Neanderthals differ more in their temporal bone morphology from any modern
human population than the two chimpanzee species differ from each other.
They do not show affinities to modern Europeans. Although the modern groups
overlap extensively, they do show geographic clustering. These results
support the separate species hypothesis for Neanderthals. "
Models of shape variation within and among species and the Neanderthal
taxonomic position: a 3-D geometric morphometric approach on temporal bone
morphology
K. Harvati http://www.paleoanthro.org/asbt2001.htm
My response to both of these items is that some modern humans have an Inca
bone (in their skull; see Wu Xinzhi, "On the Descent of Modern Humans in
East Asia," in G. A. Clark and C. M. Willermet, Conceptual Issues in Modern
Human Origins Research, (New York: Aldine De Gruyter, 1997), pp. 283-293, p.
290-291)), which I don't think I have. Does that make them a different
species than I? Definitely not.
However, the data presented by these guys needs to be noted.
glenn
see http://www.glenn.morton.btinternet.co.uk/dmd.htm
for lots of creation/evolution information
anthropology/geology/paleontology/theology\
personal stories of struggle
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