Supraorbital foramen and hypoglossal canal bridging revisited: their worldwide frequency distribution

Abstract

The frequency distribution of supraorbital foramen (SOF) and hypoglossal canal bridging (HGCB) is investigated using the data of 71 cranial samples from various regions of the world. These two traits are confirmed to be effective in distinguishing between major human populations in the world. The unique incidence pattern of a low frequency of SOF and a high frequency of HGCB places the Jomon/Ainu in Japan in an outlying position in regard to major global human groups. Viewed from an evolutionary context, Sub-Saharan Africans and Australians with low frequencies of SOF and HGCB seem to retain an incipient physical condition of modern Homo sapiens.