Nicole Petit-Maire

Application of principal component analysis using the Chi-square metric (“Analyse factorielle des correspondances”) to the study of cranial characters in Primates

Abstract Two types of multivariate analysis of cranial metrical data have been tried for the whole Primate Order (Hominoidea excluded). The Prosimian heterogeneous group has been analysed in greater detail. Principal component analysis using the Chi-square metric for 16 parameters resulted in good differentiation of subgroups, often down to generic level. Discriminant analysis pointed out the major importance of the opposition cranium-masticatory apparatus, in the whole order and at all taxonomial levels, together with the high weight of basal width discriminating power for comparison of Primate skulls shape. Thus, it seems legitimate to use such methods in our future research for locating fossil specimens with a limited number of measurements.

Symmetry and asymmetry in fingerprints of three genera of South American monkeys in relation to morphological evolutionary problems

Abstract Fingerprints of South American monkeys of the genera Alouatta, Ateles and Cebus were studied. Dermatoglyphics were analysed in relation to pattern intensities; the distribution of symmetric and asymmetric designs was also determined. Results have been related to some aspects of the contribution of dermatoglyphics to the study of Primate morphological evolution.

Croissance relative des parties sus- et sous-iniaques de l'écaillé occipitale chez les Singes Cynomorphes, les Pongidés et les Hominidés actuels et fossiles

Summary. The growth type of the human occipital squamous part is completely different in Man and in Monkeys and Apes. The adult proportions between the sus-iniac and the sub-iniac parts are obtained through opposite rythms of relative growth, although at a certain, birth-close period of ontogeny, all the species seem to follow a similar size and shape relation.