Buck, L, Katz, D, Rogers Ackermann, R, Hlusko, L, Kanthaswamy, S and Weaver, T A macaque model for the effects of hybridisation on body size. American Journal of Biological Anthropology. (Accepted)

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Abstract

Objectives: Genomics research has uncovered recurrent hybridization between hominin species, yet its morphological impact remains understudied. Non-human primate research has suggested a morphological signature of hybrid ancestry, which could be used to identify hybrids in the hominin fossil record. This pattern may include extreme size, heightened variation, and markers of developmental instability, but factors affecting these characteristics are poorly understood. Studies of non-mammalian taxa suggest extreme morphology is more likely in early-generation hybrids and with a greater parental distance. To understand hybridization in hominins, therefore, we must use appropriate proxy taxa. Materials and methods: Here, we use Chinese x Indian Macaca mulatta hybrids with a comparable divergence time in generations to Homo sapiens / Neanderthals and wide variation in admixture. Measuring limb lengths, body length, and weight, we investigate the relationship between admixture and size / variation. Results: Compared to previous work with more phylogenetically distant primate taxa and a focus on early generation hybrids, we found no evidence of a relationship between admixture and extreme large size, nor with increased size variation. Hybrids in our sample are relatively small but within the range of variation of the smaller parental taxon. Conclusions: Our results suggest that hybridization between closely related taxa, such as Neanderthals and H. sapiens, may lead to more subtle morphological patterns than previously anticipated. It will be necessary, however, to better understand the factors governing primate hybrid morphology before we can produce robust inferences on how hybridization has affected hominin evolution.

Item Type:	Article
Subjects:	G Geography. Anthropology. Recreation > GN Anthropology Q Science > QH Natural history > QH301 Biology Q Science > QH Natural history > QH426 Genetics
Divisions:	Biological and Environmental Sciences (from Sep 19)
Publisher:	Wiley
SWORD Depositor:	A Symplectic
Date Deposited:	13 Jan 2025 12:04
Last Modified:	13 Jan 2025 12:04
URI:	https://researchonline.ljmu.ac.uk/id/eprint/25254

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