Significance

The dictionary definition of morphology asserts that it is the branch of biology which deals with the form and structure of animals (including our species) and plants. That human populations are morphologically much diversified, both within and between groups, has been recognized since early times. The question was, how could we systematize and quantify these differences? Comas (1966) reviewed all the most important earlier attempts at a classification. By the end of the nineteenth century a series of instruments designed to perform measurements in living subjects and on bones were developed, and the corresponding anthropometric characteristics defined. This, however, was not done without discussion, different sets of measurements being suggested in France, Germany and England. At several international congresses attempts were made to reach a consensus, but this was, however, only partially achieved in the early part of this century.

As the instruments and machines to investigate variability progressed, it was realized that assessments could be made at different levels of analysis (molecular, biochemical, cytologic, organismal), and that shape, color and size are achieved through a complicated process. Static evaluations (based, for instance, on the type concept, an abstract construct that would summarize features of different individuals or populations) were abandoned, and dynamic approaches followed.

In terms of anthropometry, two components, size and shape, are generally considered, and there are statistical methods that can be used to separate these components (e.g., Spielman, 1973). Generally, similarity or differences in shape are considered more important than sheer size.

Several factors may influence the degree of morphologic variability present within and between populations.