Several infra-cranial non-metric variations in a single Neolithic individual: A common genetic underlying predisposition?

Abstract

Non-metric variations have been the subject of anatomical and anthropological studies for more than a century. In this study, we present an individual from Sion (Canton of Valais, Southern Switzerland) dated from the Middle Neolithic who shows evidence for four non-metric variations. This young adult male presents an os acromiale, spondylolysis, a bipartite patella and bilateral calcaneus secundarius. These non-metric variations have a low frequency in most populations (less than 10%) and for each of them the origin is usually considered to be genetic, environmental, or a combination of both. This case is of interest for understanding the potential genetic origin of these non-metric variations as well as for demonstrating their usefulness in bioarcheological analysis. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

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