ISSN:
1824-310X
Keywords:
Hominids
;
Recognition Concept of Species
;
Specific Mate Recognition System
;
Postcrania
Source:
Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
Topics:
Biology
Notes:
Abstract The Recognition Concept of Species is examined for its potential usefulness in discriminating speciation events in the hominid fossil record. Controversies over species-specific characteristics amongHomo erectus and archaicHomo sapiens have centred on traits of the skull, largely because this element is most commonly preserved. Modern humans have an intuitive knowledge of their own Specific Mate Recognition System (SMRS), and therefore have the opportunity to compare their own SMRS to that of fossil hominids and the extent pongids. Such comparison suggests that our own skeletal SMRS may depend less on features of the skull than on the morphology of the postcranial anatomy. We propose that these components be further examined in this regard. We tentatively conclude that examination of the Recognition Concept of Species indicates that from lateHomo erectus onwards, the same SMRS has been shared in common by all hominids, including modernHomo sapiens. This suggests that, following the SMRS criterion, none of these forms can be categorized as separate species.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/BF02438118
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