Publications [#383305] of Steven E. Churchill

Papers Published

1. Syeda, SM; Dunmore, CJ; Skinner, MM; Berger, LR; Churchill, SE; Zipfel, B; Kivell, TL, Phalangeal cortical bone distribution reveals different dexterous and climbing behaviors in <i>Australopithecus sediba</i> and <i>Homo naledi</i>., Science advances, vol. 11 no. 20 (May, 2025), pp. eadt1201 [doi]
   (last updated on 2025/06/14)

   Abstract:
   The evolution of the human hand is marked by a transition from a hand primarily used for locomotion to one primarily used for dexterous manipulation. The hand skeletons of Plio-Pleistocene hominins have different mosaics of human-like features associated with enhanced dexterity and ape-like features associated with locomotor hand use. However, the functional relevance of the ape-like features is debated, particularly due to a lack of complete and associated hand remains. Here, we investigate the internal phalangeal cortical structure of the nearly complete Australopithecus sediba MH2 hand and Homo naledi hand 1 to provide both insight into the manual behaviors of these fossil hominins and functional clarity regarding the mosaic features found within their hands. The phalangeal cortical structure demonstrates diversity in Plio-Pleistocene hand use, with A. sediba and H. naledi each indicating different dexterous abilities and different climbing strategies, supporting the functional importance of the ape-like features.