Nathan E. Holton
As a biological anthropologist I am interested in understanding both the evolution of craniomandibular form in genus Homo, as well as factors that influence broader patterns of morphological variation in modern human populations. Along with collaborators here at Iowa and at other institutions I have been conducting research that falls into two main categories, 1) evolution/function/development of the nasal region, and 2) the interaction between jaw function and form.
With regard to the nasal region, we are working on a series of projects designed to examine factors that influence nasal form and to understand how variation in the nasal region affects other aspects of the skull. This includes assessing the role of the nasal septum in facial growth in both humans and animal models, examining the role of climate on nasal variation in both living and fossil humans, and determining patterns of morphological integration in nasal region.
We are also working on a number of projects that will provide us with a better understanding of how masticatory function affects the growth and form of the jaws. In particular, we are working to understand what factors influence the plasticity response in the skull under different loading conditions in animal models. Similarly, we are examining mechanical and non-mechanical factors that affect mandibular bone distribution and form in humans.