THE ZYGOMATIC CURVATURE IN FOSSIL AND LIV ING HUMANS

The curvature, frequently used for descriptions, is complex to study m etrically. Thus, it is admitted that the Neandertals zygomatic bone pr esents a weak curvature. With the help of an approximation polynomial, we have calculated minimal and maximal curvatures each in one point o f the zygo-orbital - jugal profile. The Neandertals are characterized by the association of a strong maximal curvature and a very weak minim al curvature and a flattening near the jugal. Values of Qafzeh 6 and S khul V place them near archaic Homo sapiens. For the latter and Homo e rectus these values show a great variability.