Hitting Rock Bottom : A differential diagnosis of MH1

Sammanfattning

This thesis makes a differential diagnosis of Malapa Hominin 1 (MH1), an individual of the species Australopithecus sediba from 1.98 mya. This was done using photos, CT-scans, 3D-models, and a plastic cast of the fossilized remains. The skeletal abnormalities present on MH1 are new bone formation and porosities on the cranium, mandible, humerus, ribs and femur. The dentition show signs of enamel hypoplasia and Owen’s lines. The results of the analysis indicate that MH1 suffered from scurvy, anemia, infection or bone metastasis. Using life history theory and life course approaches, MH1’s pathologies were used to investigate earlier life stressors, life course reconstruction, and how the pathologies affected MH1 in life. Evolutionary medicine is used to place this within an evolutionary perspective.