L'os temporal chez Homo erectus et Homo sapiens ; variabilité et évolution

The morphological and metrical features of the temporal bone are studied in Homo erectus and Homo sapiens, this study focused on 100 fossils and the actual variability is approached by the study of five samples from various geographical origins. The variability of characters is analysed, their polarity, their diagnosic value and the relations they reveal between specimens and groups are specified. This study led to results which are confronted with the phylogenetical interpretations proposed by different authors and with the numerous questions that subsist to purpose of the relationships between Homo erectus and Homo sapiens and their evolution. The differentiation and the evolution of the Neanderthal lineage temporal morphology are shown up, with especially an important variability in the beginning of the lineage contrasting with a largest homogeneity in Wûrmian specimens. The Neanderthal lineage and that ending to Homo sapiens sapiens have developed autapomorphies and have fixed different plesiomorphic dispositions. Results of this study are in agreement with an european origin of the Near East Neandertals and a disppearance of Neandertal morphology.