Cranial fluctuating asymmetry and its relationship with non-specific physiological stress indicators in a contemporary South African cadaveric skeletal sample

Abstract

OBJECTIVES :

Biological anthropologists frequently explore skeletal asymmetry, together with population health and disease. Given the conflicting findings in existing literature, this study aimed to clarify whether an association exists in a South African sample. MATERIALS :

Dry bone and cranial micro-focus X-ray Computed Tomography (micro-XCT) scans of 115 South African individuals were assessed. METHODS :

Fluctuating asymmetry (FA) indices were calculated from interlandmark distances, and the frequency of four types of non-specific signs of physiological stress were documented to explore the relationship between FA and disease. RESULTS :

Black South Africans did not exhibit a high FA index; however, they had the highest prevalence of non-specific signs of physiological stress. However, no significant correlations were detected between FA indices and pathological lesions. CONCLUSION :

No correlation was observed between FA and populations from different socio-economic backgrounds. However, individuals of lower socio-economic status (SES) demonstrated a greater prevalence of non-specific signs of physiological stress. SIGNIFICANCE :

This research suggests that skeletal indicators of stress may be a suitable biological marker for assessing differences in SES among population groups, while indicating that levels of cranial FA is an inadequate biological marker. LIMITATIONS :

Possible limitations may include measurement error, and the lack of information on the life history and medical records of individuals in this sample. SUGGESTIONS FOR FURTHER RESEARCH :

Future research should include a larger sample with more South African groups, and should evaluate the potential association among age, FA, and expression of skeletal markers of disease.