Table of Contents
List of Abbreviations ... 2 Acknowledgements ... 5 Summary ... 7 Résumé ... 8 Chapter 1 Introduction ... 9Chapter 2 Comparative analysis with Neandertals and anatomically modern humans ... 13
2.1 Sex determination using the Probabilistic Sex Diagnosis (DSP: Diagnose Sexuelle Probabiliste) tool in a virtual environment ... 15
2.2 The comparison of the Kebara 2 pelvis to modern human pelves. ... 25
2.3 Femoral curvature variability in modern humans using three-dimensional quadric surface fitting. . 30
2.4 Further consideration of the curvature of the Neandertal femur ... 40
2.5 How different are the Kebara 2 ribs to modern humans? ... 62
2.6 The sexing of the Kebara 2 ribs ... 82
Chapter 3 Reconstruction of the Spy II skeleton ... 88
3.1 Introduction ... 90
3.2 Reconstruction of the pelvis and thorax ... 93
3.3 Reconstruction of the upper and lower limbs ... 104
3.4 Reconstruction of the hands and feet ... 120
3.5 3D reconstruction of the Spy II skeleton in anatomical position... 129
Chapter 4 Biomechanical Analysis ... 133
4.1 From Modern Humans to Spy Ancestors? Comparison of the locomotion of anatomically modern humans and Neandertals (Spy II): a feasibility study. ... 134
4.2 Virtual reconstruction of the Neandertal lower limbs with an estimation of hamstring muscle moment arms. ... 152
4.3 Analysis of the hip and knee moment arms of the Spy II reconstructed Neandertal in comparison to a modern human ... 163
Chapter 5 Conclusion ... 187
Annexe 1 Article in Médecine Sciences ... 196