The influence of body mass and body composition on bone functional adaptation

Abstract

The proposed dissertation follows a three article format. The articles are distinct, but each pertains to the same subject of research. The first article applies structural equation modeling to factors influencing bone functional morphology in modern humans. The second article continues to analyze the role of the two primary drivers of bone functional morphology in humans, body mass and lean mass, in a cadaveric sample. The third article applies bone functional morphology to a novel field of analysis, that of deer body mass estimation in zooarchaeology. All three pieces focus on the role of body mass, body mass estimation, and the role they play in bone functional adaptation.