Analysis of Poulton Collection Data

The Poulton Collection is an archaeological site located just 5 miles south of Chester, where remains from a medieval Chapel and graveyard have been discovered. This site contains an estimated 2000 burials, including bodies and artifacts from the Neolithic and Bronze Ages. The Poulton Project, established as a charity in 2002, aims to promote the understanding of archaeology, history, and architecture. The collection excavated at Poulton, by previous students, has been a valuable resource for ongoing research. These skeletal remains can be up to 200 years old.

Research Objectives

This report presents the findings of a study conducted to estimate the average height and mass of the medieval population represented by the Poulton Collection. Additionally, we aim to compare these findings with modern populations worldwide to gain insights into historical anthropometric variations.

Methodology

To achieve our research objectives, we followed a structured methodology:

1. Data Collection: We measured the femora of ten males and ten females from the Poulton Collection to determine mass and stature. A digital caliper was used to measure the femoral head diameter, and an osteometric board was employed to measure the femoral maximum length.
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2. Estimation of Stature: Stature estimation was based on femoral maximum length. We used the following equations:

For males:

Stature (cm) = 2.016 x Femoral Maximum Length (FML) + 44.210

For females:

Stature (cm) = 2.019 x Femoral Maximum Length (FML) + 65.579

3. Estimation of Mass: Mass estimation was based on femoral head diameter using the following equations:

For males:

Mass (kg) = (2.741 x Femoral Head Diameter (FH) - 54.9) x 0.9

For females:

Mass (kg) = (2.426 x Femoral Head Diameter (FH) - 35.

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1) x 0.9

4. Data Analysis: The collected data was organized into spreadsheets, and averages for mass and stature estimations were calculated for both males and females in the Poulton Collection. These averages were then compared to averages from modern human populations worldwide.
5. Statistical Analysis: Statistical software (SBSS) was used to further analyze the data, including the comparison of male and female averages, correlation between stature and mass, and comparisons with modern populations.

Results

After applying the equations to the Poulton Collection data, the following results were obtained:

These values represent the estimated average height and mass of the medieval population in the Poulton Collection.

Discussion

Our analysis indicates that the medieval males in the Poulton Collection had an average stature of 163.33 cm, while the females had an average stature of 150.07 cm. Additionally, the average mass for males was 69.66 kg, and for females, it was 58.94 kg.

To better understand these findings, we compared them to research on modern populations. We found that various factors can influence height and mass, including genetics, nutrition, childhood illnesses, and environmental conditions.

Genetics

Height is influenced by genetics, and research shows that taller parents tend to have taller children. Genetic heritability of height has been studied extensively, and it is estimated that at least 80% of height variation can be explained by genetic differences. Studies, such as the one by Silvertoinen et al. (2000), have shown that genetic factors play a significant role in determining height, particularly in women.

Silvertoinen et al. conducted a study on adult body height in 1981, examining 10,968 pairs of twins born before 1958 in Finland. Their research found that heritability of height increased in twins born before 1929 and remained significant across the first half of the 1900s, leveling off after World War II. This study emphasized the role of genetics in height determination, especially in women.

Furthermore, genetics also influence the intergenerational transmission of height. Taller parents tend to have taller offspring, illustrating the strong genetic component in stature. However, it is essential to recognize that genetics alone do not account for all the variations observed in height among populations.

Environmental Factors

Environmental factors, such as nutrition, work conditions, and disease environment, also play a crucial role in determining height. Negative net nutrient status, as studied by T. Cuff (2005), can lead to delayed growth and affect an individual's ability to reach their genetic height potential. Environmental conditions, including how individuals lived and what they ate, can have a substantial impact on stature.

T. Cuff's research on negative net nutrient status highlights the importance of adequate nutrition during childhood. It is well-established that malnutrition, particularly during the growth period, can result in stunted growth. This factor becomes significant when comparing the stature of populations, as access to proper nutrition varies across regions and historical periods.

Furthermore, urbanization, as discussed by S. Kuznets (1973), can affect the standard of living and, subsequently, human stature. Economic growth can have both positive and negative effects on a population's biological well-being, with height serving as an indicator of these changes. Rapid industrialization and urbanization can lead to improved living conditions, access to better nutrition, and enhanced healthcare, all of which contribute to increased average height.

Comparing different populations, such as the Mbuti and Sara populations, highlights the influence of genetics and environmental conditions on stature. The differences in average height between these populations can be attributed to a combination of genetic factors and varying environmental conditions.

On the other hand, populations with similar genetic backgrounds, like the Wopkamin and Awin populations in Papua New Guinea, exhibit similar average heights. This suggests that shared environmental conditions within the same region can outweigh genetic differences.

It is important to emphasize that both genetics and environmental factors interact to determine height. While genetics provides a blueprint for potential height, environmental conditions play a vital role in realizing that potential. Nutritional intake, disease prevalence, and overall living conditions contribute to the observed height variations among populations.

Conclusion

The analysis of the Poulton Collection data has provided valuable insights into the average height and mass of a medieval population in the area. The findings demonstrate that genetics and environmental factors significantly influence anthropometric characteristics, such as stature and mass. Understanding these factors is essential for interpreting historical anthropological data and comparing them to modern populations.

Further research is needed to explore the specific environmental and genetic factors that contributed to the observed differences and similarities in stature between populations. This research contributes to our broader understanding of human history, biology, and anthropology.

As we continue to unravel the complex interplay of genetics and environment in shaping human stature, we gain deeper insights into the rich tapestry of human evolution and adaptation. Future studies in this field will further illuminate the factors that have influenced our physical characteristics throughout history.

In conclusion, the Poulton Collection serves as a valuable repository of historical data, shedding light on the lives and physical attributes of a medieval population. This knowledge not only enriches our understanding of the past but also informs ongoing discussions about the factors that continue to shape human stature in our ever-changing world.