Electron probe energy dispersive X-ray microanalysis (EDXA) in the investigation of fossil bone: the case of Java man.
Doubts about the attribution of the Trinil femur to Homo erectus on anatomical grounds have a long history. Here, for the first time, published stratigraphic information and chemical evidence based on the Ca/P ratios confirm that the anatomical doubts are justified. The Trinil femur apparently belongs to a more recent stratum above the 'fossil layer' (Hauptknochenschicht, HK) in which the Trinil calotte was found. It is concluded that the Trinil Femur I belongs to Homo sapiens, whereas the Trinil Femora II-V and the calotte belong to H. erectus. The chemical evidence derives from the use of electron probe energy dispersive X-ray microanalysis (EDXA), a technique that can be virtually non-destructive and therefore may be used on scarce fossil evidence.
Department of Human Anatomy and Cell Biology, University of Liverpool, U.K.
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Bartsiokas
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D000818:Animals; D001842:Bone and Bones / Q000737:chemistry*; D002118:Calcium / Q000032:analysis; D004577:Electron Probe Microanalysis / Q000379:methods; D005269:Femur; D005580:Fossils; D015186:Hominidae; D006801:Humans; D007214:Indonesia; D010758:Phosphorus / Q000032:analysis
D010758:Phosphorus; D002118:Calcium