Skeletal microstructure growth dynamics in ancient humans and fossil rats from Indonesian islands

Substantial evidence exists for insularity manifesting in living populations, but little is known about its effect on skeletal growth dynamics in prehistoric humans and other animals. Here, we reconstruct: 1) femur bone metabolism in ten Timor Island giant and small fossil (late Quaternary ca. 5-18 ka) rats, 2) human femur and occipital bone, and tooth enamel growth links in three adult males of 152.9-164 cm stature, recovered from the Maluku Islands (BCE/CE junction Morotai, 2314–1415 cal. BP Gebe). Osteocyte lacunae density (Ot.Dn) and secondary osteon parameters were recorded in midshaft femur and nuchal crest occipital bone histological sections. Lateral enamel daily secretion (DSR) and root extension rates were calculated from upper first and second human molar histology. Results reveal significant (p