Comparative cranial anatomy of Homo sapiens and Canis lupus familiaris: morphological, functional, and educational perspectives with a glance to biodiversity

Authors

  • Melania Ionelia Gratie Department of Biomedicine, Neuroscience and Advanced Diagnostics, Institute of Human Anatomy, University of Palermo, Palermo
  • Elena Varotto Department of Cultures and Societies, University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy; Archaeology, College of Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences, Flinders University, Adelaide
  • Massimo Fresta Department of Biomedicine, Neuroscience and Advanced Diagnostics, Institute of Human Anatomy, University of Palermo, Palermo
  • Antonella Marino Gammazza Department of Biomedicine, Neuroscience and Advanced Diagnostics, Institute of Human Anatomy, University of Palermo, Palermo
  • Francesca Rappa Department of Biomedicine, Neuroscience and Advanced Diagnostics, Institute of Human Anatomy, University of Palermo, Palermo
  • Francesco Maria Galassi Department of Anthropology, Faculty of Biology and Environmental Protection, University of Łódź, Łódź
  • Francesco Cappello Department of Biomedicine, Neuroscience and Advanced Diagnostics, Institute of Human Anatomy, University of Palermo, Palermo

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.4081/jbr.2025.14218

Keywords:

Cranial morphology, comparative anatomy, bipedalism, domestication, olfactory adaptation, craniofacial development

Abstract

Cranial morphology reflects a species’ evolutionary history, functional adaptations, and environmental interactions. This comparative anatomical study examines the key structural differences between the cranium of humans (Homo sapiens) and that of domestic dogs (Canis lupus familiaris). Through a multi-level analysis encompassing gross anatomy, comparative anatomy, and anthropological implications, we highlight how evolutionary divergence, bipedalism, olfactory function, diet, and domestication have shaped the skulls of these two species. The findings underline the relevance of interspecies cranial comparisons for understanding human evolution, craniofacial development, and the broader patterns of mammalian biodiversity.

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Published

12-11-2025

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Original Articles

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How to Cite

Comparative cranial anatomy of Homo sapiens and Canis lupus familiaris: morphological, functional, and educational perspectives with a glance to biodiversity. (2025). Journal of Biological Research - Bollettino Della Società Italiana Di Biologia Sperimentale, 98(2). https://doi.org/10.4081/jbr.2025.14218