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My Research
Current Research:
Hyoid/Mandible Covariation
The hyoid, a widely understudied bony structure in the throat, not only aids in chewing, but is involved with other vital functions, such as swallowing, breathing, and speech. Despite its importance, the hyoid’s role in the evolution of primate jaw shape has never been thoroughly examined. Moreover, there are no studies that detail the amount of variation of hyoid morphology across primates, let alone hint at the functional correlation between hyoid and mandibular shape or their connecting musculature. My research will investigate the anatomical variation of hyoid shape and architecture of the suprahyoid musculature, and how they are related to the shape of the mandible, which will provide insight into the evolution and function of the primate masticatory complex.
Master's Thesis:
Primate Natal Coats
My thesis used Bayesian phylogenetic comparative methods to assess infant/adult coat color differences in primates. The findings of my research suggest that primate natal coats were likely selected for to obscure paternity, thus lowering infanticide risk, in multi-male/multi-female primate groups. These results are exciting as previous studies had failed to pinpoint evolutionary drivers of primate natal coat existence. I was invited to present these findings at the 2019 American Association of Physical Anthropologists meeting and this research is currently in preparation for publication.
Publications
2024
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Polvadore TA, Yoakum CB, Taylor PM, Holmes MA, Laird MF, Chalk-Wilayto J, Kanno C, de Oliveira J, Terhune CE. Ontogenetic biomechanics of tufted (Sapajus) and untufted (Cebus) capuchin mandibles. American Journal of Biological Anthropology (In Press).
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Holmes MA, Terhune CE, Chalk-Wilayto J, Yoakum C, Taylor PM, Ramirez R, Solís MP, Polvadore TA, Ross CF, Taylor AB, Fogaça MD, Laird MF. Ontogenetic changes in jaw leverage and skull shape in tufted and untufted capuchins. Journal of Morphology 285(5): e21705. https://doi.org/10.1002/jmor.21705