The frequency of variations in nine morphological features of the cervical column in a South African (S.A.) black and white example of human skeletons was investigated to determine whether there Was a greater degree of morphological variability in the black as compared with the white sample. These findings were compared with other population groups. Intertribal, sex and side differences were examined, The possible aetiology of these variations was explored. [Abbreviated abstract. Open document to view full version] / GR 2016

In the past, efforts to prove or disprove stasis in hominids have relied upon univariate tests such as Students's t-test. Severe methodological and interpretive problems arise from the misapplication of univariate statistics to questions concerning variation in shape through time. These are questions best addressed using the multivariate approach of morphometrics. Eighteen cranial dimensions drawn from 33 mid and late Pleistocene Homo sapiens were examined using principal component analysis (PCA). PCA divided the sample into two distinct morphologies. Archaic Homo sapiens of the mid Pleistocene clustered with Wurm I neanderthals and apart from post Gottweig early anatomically modern Homo sapiens. ANOVA and Cluster analysis confirm the groups represent two different morphologies rather than a single spectrum of morphological change. These results support stasis rather than phyletic gradualism during this period of hominid evolution.