Rates of ontogenesis, dynamics of morphological changes and adaptive status in three present-day pastoral populations, retaining traditional way of living
Introduction. We studied the ontogenesis dynamics in 3 pastoralists groups from different climate zones in search of similarities in adaptation characteristics of human populations with the traditional way of living. Materials and methods. We compared Khalkha Mongols (Mongolia), Bedouins (Sinai Peninsula), and Datooga people (North Tanzania). Studied groups differ in morphological characteristics of face and body according to biological adaptation to local climate conditions but have a lot of similarities since they still maintain the traditional way of living. Morphological, radiographic, and statistical methods were used in this study. Results. Hand bones maturing and aging rates (bone age) for different stages of ontogenesis are presented. Age dynamics of children and adolescent height have also been studied as well as a change in body size in adults. Obtained results are compared with data from the well-adapted long-living population of Ochamchira District in Abkhazia. Discussion. A comparison study shows that Khalka Mongols and Datooga people have low temps of hand skeleton differentiation while growing and developing. These groups are also characterized by slower aging in terms of hand bones changes. Kids and adolescents in all three groups have slowed rates of height grows and morphophysiological maturation Adults of Khalka Mongols and Datooga aged 20-60 years have mean body size which indicates an absence of acceleration processes (maladaptive changes) in studied groups. Sinai Bedouins show a change of height with time in both sexes indicating disruption of homeostatic balance with habitat. Conclusion. Adaptation level of groups with the traditional way of living are evaluated and compared.