Harripershad, MikshaTheye, Charlotte E.G.Ridel, Alison FanyLiebenberg, Leandi2024-08-132024-08-132024-09Harripershad, M., Theye, C.E.G., Ridel, A.F. & Liebenberg, L. 2024, 'Cranial fluctuating asymmetry and its relationship with non-specific physiological stress indicators in a contemporary South African cadaveric skeletal sample', International Journal of Paleopathology, vol. 46, pp. 50-61, doi : 10.1016/j.ijpp.2024.07.004.1879-981710.1016/j.ijpp.2024.07.004http://hdl.handle.net/2263/97584OBJECTIVES : 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.en© 2024 The Author(s). Published by Elsevier Inc. This is an open access article under the CC BY license.Skeletal asymmetryDevelopmental stressSocio-economic status (SES)Cribra orbitaliaEnamel hypoplasiaPorotic hyperostosisMicro-focus X-ray computed tomography (micro-XCT)SDG-03: Good health and well-beingArticle