[Archport] Divulgação

[Ana Luisa Santos <alsantos@antrop.uc.pt>]

CICLO DE SEMINÁRIOS DO DEPARTAMENTO DE ANTROPOLOGIA


Polynesian physical adaptation to their
environment


George Dias
Department of Anatomy and Structural Biology, University of Otago,
New Zealand
24 de Março de 2004 - 14h 
Anfiteatro I do Departamento de Antropologia


Resumo The physical form of first New Zealanders closely resembles
that of other prehistoric Polynesians. These first New Zealanders had a
distinctive physical form. Generally they were tall, robust people with
proportionally shorter legs longer arms than most Europeans. They had
large high vaulted heads with a distinctive jaw form and a vertical face
in profile.
Houghton has proposed that the body form and size of Polynesians reflect
an adaptation to a cool and wet marine environment, which he argues is
the principle environment of Polynesia.  
We further argue that these first New Zealanders (prehistoric Maori and
Moriori) had a comparatively high threshold to cold because of a reduced
number of sensory receptors present in skin.
This adaptation meant that small fluctuations of external environmental
temperature would not have stimulated heat-producing mechanisms.
Reduced heat production conserved vitally important body energy stores
and gave individuals with this adaptation a selective advantage,
particularly when food was at a premium.  
However, quite apart from energy conservation, reduced skin sensitivity
to cold and moderate temperature changes would have made them less
uncomfortable and able to tolerate the cool and wet environment of
southern New Zealand and the Chatham Islands.


Organização
Departamento de Antropologia
Faculdade de Ciências e Tecnologia
Universidade de Coimbra

Apoio
Centro de Investigação em Antropologia (FCTUC)


Mais informações
http://www.antrop.uc.pt/eventos/eventos.htm