Black, Davidson (1884–1934)

Sinanthropus Pekinensis

The greatest Sinanthropus deposits were recovered in the fissured limestone in the Ordovician anticline in the area of present-day Choukoutien village. Known as Locality 1, Sinanthropus remains were found throughout Locus A–G, within layers 4 (Cultural Zone A) thru layers 11 (Cultural Zone C). Due to the irregular findings throughout the layers, it became evident that the deposits were neither accidental nor an accumulation of prey by predatory animals. According to Black's evaluation, Sinanthropus morphology is as follows.

[Page 379]Dentition: Evidence of root fusion and reduction in crown size, the first molar being the largest, and third-molar variability. The crowns of the lower molar are trapezoic in shape, with crown enamel greater than modern man. In addition, the lower canines are large, with long roots. The upper molars are low and large, the root being conical. Upper canines, similar to the lower canines, are large and long rooted. The incisors can be described as being semi–shovel shaped.

Mandibulae: Although the lower jaw is neanthropic in nature (except in the morphology of the symphysis and areas of the horizontal ramus), the curve of the dental arcade is modern in type, with a deviation from modern human due to stresses through use. The symphysis region is regarded as being similar to anthropoids. Yet the thickness of the horizontal jaw ramus is consistent with Paeloanthropus. The presence of multiple mental foramina suggests a common ancestor to both hominids and anthropoids.

Skull: The morphological features of Sinanthropus are characterized by a prominent supraorbital margin, parietal calvarial with parietal eminences, and the pyriform of the calvaria. Both the temporal bones and condylar exhibit a modern direction. In the tympanic region, the morphology differs from more modern hominid types. Overall, the skull differs from both Neanderthal or Rhodesian man and anthropoids.

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