Abstract
While paleoneurology has undergone major changes relevant to hominid evolution, largely through newer computer-driven segmentation techniques using CT, laser, MRI, and other imaging technologies, so-called state-of-the-art techniques still require expert understanding of underlying endocranial morphology. The australopithecine endocranial remains, whether from natural endocasts such as Taung, Sts60, SK1585, or those made from rubber, silicone-based reagents, such as AL 444-2, or CT scans (MH1), still occasion major differences of interpretation and thus controversy, and the controversy initiated by Dart in 1925 for the Taung specimen is still alive and well. The newer non-invasive techniques have much to offer human paleontologists regarding the evolution of the brain as long as basic anatomical realities are appreciated.
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Acknowledgments
I am grateful to the editors of this volume honoring Professor Yoel Rak for inviting me to participate. Many colleagues helped me with the illustrations: Drs. Michael Yuan, Doug Broadfield, Jill Shapiro, Tom Schoenemann, and Mr. Shawn Hurst. I also thank Dr. Chet Sherwood and his neuroscience group at George Washington University for the illustrations of chimpanzee brains used here.
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Holloway, R.L. (2017). The Australopithecine Brain: Controversies Perpetual. In: Marom, A., Hovers, E. (eds) Human Paleontology and Prehistory. Vertebrate Paleobiology and Paleoanthropology. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-46646-0_5
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