3D geometric morphometrics of the cold-adapted thorax: eco-geographical variability of the human rib cage

Presentación de una comunicación dada en: II Iberian Symposium on geometric morphometrics, celebrado los dias 9 y 10 de junio de 2016 en MadridDespite the importance of the thorax for human biology, its 3D morphological variability associated to eco-geographical variation is poorly understood. Allen´s and bergmann´s eco-geographic rules link body size and shape to climate conditions in homoeothermic mammals.Peer reviewe

Temporomandibular joint osteoarthritis in human ancient skeletal remains from Late Holocene in southern Patagonia

Low prevalence of caries, high stages of dental attrition (DA), and moderate frequency of antemortem tooth loss (AMTL) were found in skeletal remains of hunter-gatherers from southern Patagonia. However, osteoarthritis (OA) of temporomandibular joint (TMJ), possible related to oral health, has not been studied so far. The influence of hunter-gatherer living conditions on the development of TMJ-OA was scarcely evaluated, and analyses of degenerative changes of TMJ in nonindustrialized groups are needed. The aim of this study is to analyse the association between degenerative changes of TMJ, oral disease, and palaeodietary patterns in skeletal remains of hunter-gatherers from southern Patagonia. Degenerative changes of TMJ were recorded in 25 adult skulls of both sexes. Eburnation of articular eminence and/or mandibular condyle was considered as pathognomonic of OA. In the absence of eburnation, OA was diagnosed when two or more of the following lesions were identified: (a) new bone formation on joint surface, (b) new bone formation of joint margins, (c) porosity on the joint surface, and (d) modification of joint contour. In the studied skeletons, it was found that OA prevalence is 28%, similar to those observed in other hunter-gatherer populations elsewhere. TMJ-OA is mostly related to AMTL and older age, but no relation was found with caries and DA, sex, region, dietary patterns, and chronology. However, consumption of terrestrial resources in the diet cannot be discarded as a related factor. Further studies are necessary to explore the morphological variability of the mandible and its possible relationship with different diets and dental pathologies in these populations.Fil: Suby, Jorge Alejandro. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Tandil. Investigaciones Arqueológicas y Paleontológicas del Cuaternario Pampeano. Universidad Nacional del Centro de la Provincia de Buenos Aires. Investigaciones Arqueológicas y Paleontológicas del Cuaternario Pampeano; ArgentinaFil: Giberto, Diego Agustin. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Mar del Plata. Instituto de Investigaciones Marinas y Costeras. Universidad Nacional de Mar del Plata. Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales. Instituto de Investigaciones Marinas y Costeras; Argentin

Health at the time of Native-European contact in Southern Patagonia: First steps, results, and prospects

The objective of this paper is to present the first steps into the study of health in southern Patagonia during pre and post Native-European contact. Thus, our work has a double purpose. First, to discuss characteristics and relevance of human bone records of southern Patagonia, in order to study health in a population context. Second, to show some new lines of information, which include paleoparasitology, nutritional paleopathologies, and the study of lifestyles from human remains. In this context, we have started working on the first Spanish settlement "Nombre de Jesus", founded in 1584, and with historical documentation of "La Candelaria" Mission in Rio Grande (1896-1931)

Short perceptual range and yet successful invasion of a fragmented landscape: The case of the red-bellied tree squirrel (Callosciurus erythraeus) in Argentina

Dispersal is a key element of the invasion process for introduced species, and is influenced by landscape connectivity. The red-bellied squirrel (Callosciurus erythraeus) was introduced to Argentina in 1970. Suitable forest habitat for this arboreal species is highly fragmented in a rural-urban matrix, but despite this, the squirrel population has spread. Squirrels disperse into new habitat patches using connective features such as forest corridors. They may also cross gaps but up to what extent is not known. Gap crossing success is influenced by perceptual range, which is the distance from which animals can perceive suitable habitat. Perceptual range has been previously estimated for vulnerable species, but not for introduced species. We used a model relating perceptual range to body mass to predict the perceptual range of the red-bellied tree squirrel in Argentina. We then tested our prediction of 202-221 m by releasing squirrels in an unfamiliar arable field at different distances (300, 200, 100 and 20 m) from woodland habitat. We assumed that if woodland could be perceived, squirrels would orientate toward it. We estimated perceptual range to be between 20 and 100 m, considerably lower than predicted. Our results indicate that squirrels can potentially cross small habitat gaps, but dispersal over greater distances lacking connectivity is less likely. Incorporating this information when modelling the spread of exotic squirrels in the Pampas Region can yield more accurate prediction of the invasion process and guide management practices to minimise their expansion. © 2012 Springer Science+Business Media B.V.Fil: Bridgman, Lucy J.. The University of Waikato; Nueva ZelandaFil: Benitez, Verónica Victoria. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas; Argentina. Universidad Nacional de Luján. Departamento de Ciencias Básicas; ArgentinaFil: Graña Grilli, Maricel. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas; Argentina. Universidad Nacional de Luján. Departamento de Ciencias Básicas; ArgentinaFil: Mufato, Natalia. Universidad Nacional de Luján. Departamento de Ciencias Básicas; ArgentinaFil: Acosta, Daniela. Universidad Nacional de Luján. Departamento de Ciencias Básicas; ArgentinaFil: Guichon, Maria Laura. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas; Argentina. Universidad Nacional de Luján. Departamento de Ciencias Básicas; Argentin