Enterprise AI Analysis
A geometric morphometrics approach to sex estimation of infants from 0 to 6 years using the auricular surface
Authors: Patrícia Simão, Susana J. Garcia & Ricardo Miguel Godinho
Publication Date: 28 February 2026
DOI: 10.1038/s41598-026-35321-y
This study explores the potential of geometric morphometrics (GM) to estimate biological sex in infants (0-6 years) using the auricular surface of the ilium. Findings suggest sex-related morphological differences are detectable in infants under one year due to neonatal hormonal surges, but these differences diminish in older individuals. The research highlights 3D GM as a promising non-invasive tool for subadult sex estimation, addressing current limitations in bioarcheology and forensic anthropology by enhancing understanding of past population dynamics and cultural behavior.
Executive Impact: Pioneering Subadult Sex Estimation
Leverage cutting-edge 3D Geometric Morphometrics to unlock unprecedented insights in bioarchaeology and forensic anthropology.
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Accuracy (Under 1 Year)
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Sample Size
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Age Range Studied
Deep Analysis & Enterprise Applications
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Neonatal Hormonal Surge and Dimorphism
The study suggests that sex-related variations in auricular surface morphology in infants under one year are linked to the neonatal hormonal surge ('minipuberty'). Males experience a testosterone surge and females an oestradiol surge shortly after birth, influencing early morphological development. This early dimorphism appears to diminish after one year, possibly due to the 'prepubertal hiatus' in hormonal secretion and the onset of bipedal locomotion affecting bone morphology.
3D GM Methodology for Sex Estimation
3D Model Acquisition (Structured-light scanner)
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Landmarking & Data Collection (26 points)
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Generalised Procrustes Analysis (GPA)
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Principal Component Analysis (PCA)
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Statistical Tests (Mann-Whitney, PERMANOVA, ANOVA)
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Shape Variation Visualization (Thin-plate splines)
0.057
PC2 p-value bordering statistical significance for infants < 1 year, indicating potential dimorphism.
Comparison of Auricular Surface Dimorphism by Age Group
| Age Group | Key Findings |
|---|---|
| Under 1 Year |
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| 1.0-3.9 Years |
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| 4.0-6.9 Years |
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Impact on Bioarcheological Research
The potential to accurately estimate biological sex in infants offers invaluable insights for paleodemography and cultural behaviour. For example, understanding sex distribution allows for studying infant mortality rates based on sex, investigating disease incidence, and exploring funerary treatments. This technique can help reconstruct past communities more comprehensively, addressing questions previously unanswerable due to the lack of reliable subadult sex estimation methods. The Lisbon Identified Skeletal Collection, used in this study, exemplifies the challenges with small sample sizes, highlighting the need for robust methods.
Estimate Your AI-Driven Research ROI
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Estimated Annual Cost Savings
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Annual Hours Reclaimed
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Your AI Implementation Journey
A phased approach to integrate advanced AI into your research, ensuring seamless adoption and maximum impact.
Phase 1: Data Acquisition & Preprocessing
Implement 3D scanning protocols and data mirroring for optimal geometric morphometrics. Establish robust data cleaning and standardization procedures.
Phase 2: Model Development & Validation
Develop and train 3D GM models for sex estimation. Conduct rigorous cross-validation and test with diverse samples to ensure accuracy and generalizability.
Phase 3: Integration & AI Augmentation
Integrate GM tools into existing research workflows. Explore advanced AI/Machine Learning techniques for enhanced accuracy and automation in sex estimation.
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