Lucy's length: stature reconstruction in Australopithecus afarensis (A.L.288-1) with implications for other small-bodied hominids

Am J Phys Anthropol. 1988 Jun;76(2):227-31. doi: 10.1002/ajpa.1330760211.

Abstract

New stature estimates are provided for A.L.288-1 (Australopithecus afarensis) based on (1) the relationship between femur length and stature in separate samples of human pygmies and pygmy chimpanzees and (2) model II regression alternatives to standard least-squares methods. Estimates from the two samples are very similar and converge on a value of approximately 3'6" for "Lucy." These results are compared to prior estimates and extended to other small-bodied hominids such as STS-14 and O.H.62. A new foot-to-stature ratio is also estimated for A.L.288-1, and its potential biomechanical significance for gait is evaluated in comparison to other groups.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Body Constitution*
  • Femur / anatomy & histology*
  • Fossils*
  • Haplorhini / anatomy & histology*
  • Humans
  • Paleontology*
  • Pan troglodytes / anatomy & histology