Environmental correlates of growth patterns in Neolithic Liguria (northwestern Italy)

ConclusionsThe pattern of growth in Ligurian Neolithic children may reflect a deprived and highly-infectious environment: three individuals show skeletal lesions consistent with tuberculosis. The relatively faster growth in infancy may result from the buffering provided by maternal milk. Older children and adolescents may exhibit catch-up growth.SignificanceThis study contributes to our understanding of Neolithic selective pressures and possible biocultural adaptive strategies.LimitationsThe cross-sectional nature of the data and the small sample size make it unclear whether the observed pattern is representative of the growth patterns in the living population. The possibility that adults are stunted undermines the interpretation of optimal growth in the first years.Suggestions for Further ResearchRefine age estimates, increase sample size through the study of other bone elements.
Source: International Journal of Paleopathology - Category: Pathology Source Type: research