When the shape of a bone changes during growth the relationship between its shape and its size can be expressed mathematically and the phenomenon is known as allometric or relative growth. The same concept applies to samples of adult bones of different mean overall size. It is likely that some of the morphological distinctions between early hominids are due to size related allometric features. However, even if such differences can be credited with an allometric basis their significance for hominid taxonomy is uncertain.
This paper reviews the development of allometric theory and deals with technical advances which have improved our understanding of the theory and application of allometry.
Three relevant applications of allometry are considered. These are its use in attempts to compensate for allometrically based intra-group differences which distort attempts to differentiate between taxonomic groups; its role in taxonomy and its use as a tool to increase our understanding of the relationships between function and morphology in hominids.
