Sexual Dimorphism for Size in Seven Nineteenth Century Northwest Coast Populations

Document Type

Article

Authors

Roberta L. Hall, Oregon State University, Corvalis, Oregon

Abstract

An investigation of sexual dimorphism for size was conducted using data on 12 anthropometric measures from adults in seven nineteenth century local populations of British Columbia. Both secular and age-related changes were found in most of the traits. Since secular changes affected males more intensely than females, the degree of sexual dimorphism varied by age group. Sexual dimorphism was found to increase directly with male average size for most linear measures, such as stature. A review of other studies of sexual dimorphism for size indicated that in most populations surveyed, growth processes in males were found to be more sensitive to environmental fluctuations than was growth in females.

Recommended Citation

Hall, Roberta L. (1978) "Sexual Dimorphism for Size in Seven Nineteenth Century Northwest Coast Populations," Human Biology: Vol. 50: Iss. 2, Article 8.
Available at: https://digitalcommons.wayne.edu/humbiol/vol50/iss2/8