Unique human orbital morphology compared with that of apes
Eric Denion, Martin Hitier, Vincent Guyader, Audrey-Emmanuelle Dugué & Frédéric Mouriaux
AffiliationsContributionsCorresponding author
Scientific Reports 5, Article number: 11528 doi:10.1038/srep11528
Received 19 January 2015 Accepted 20 May 2015 Published 25 June 2015
Source/Fonte: Natural History National Museum (Paris, France)
Abstract
Humans’ and apes’ convergent (front-facing) orbits allow a large overlap of monocular visual fields but are considered to limit the lateral visual field extent. However, humans can greatly expand their lateral visual fields using eye motion. This study aimed to assess whether the human orbital morphology was unique compared with that of apes in avoiding lateral visual field obstruction. The orbits of 100 human skulls and 120 ape skulls (30 gibbons; 30 orangutans; 30 gorillas; 30 chimpanzees and bonobos) were analyzed. The orbital width/height ratio was calculated. Two orbital angles representing orbital convergence and rearward position of the orbital margin respectively were recorded using a protractor and laser levels. Humans have the largest orbital width/height ratio (1.19; p < 0.001). Humans and gibbons have orbits which are significantly less convergent than those of chimpanzees / bonobos, gorillas and orangutans (p < 0.001). These elements suggest a morphology favoring lateral vision in humans. More specifically, the human orbit has a uniquely rearward temporal orbital margin (107.1°; p < 0.001), suitable for avoiding visual obstruction and promoting lateral visual field expansion through eye motion. Such an orbital morphology may have evolved mainly as an adaptation to open-country habitat and bipedal locomotion.
Subject terms: Biological anthropology Evolutionary theory
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