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Postembryonic dimensional allometry of the human femur
Dale R. Sumner Jr.,
Dale R. Sumner Jr.
Department of Anthropology, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona 85721
Search for more papers by this authorDale R. Sumner Jr.,
Dale R. Sumner Jr.
Department of Anthropology, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona 85721
Search for more papers by this authorAbstract
Developmental constraints can affect evolution. McMahon's (1973, 1975a) hypothesis of elastic similarity is tested as an epigenetic rule. This is an ontogenetic hypothesis that previously has not been tested with ontogenetic data. Cross-sectional data from the human femur are analyzed. Length-diameter relationships for phases of growth and aging are calculated with bivariate allometry. McMahon's hypothesis cannot be rejected, although most of the calculations are not consistent with it. Ontogenetic skeletal allometry is complex because both material and geometric properties change during development.
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