Multi-dimensional complexes of skull traits.

The simultaneous incidence of sutural bones was studied by a multidimensional analysis (Wanke method). On a medieval sample of 249 male and female skulls from Lower Austria the presence of two main complexes of sutural and fontanelle bones was observed. The interaction of possible genetic factors and developmental growth incongruences in causing these phenomena are discussed. The necessity of further studies considering such basic biological aspects with minor skeletal traits is stressed.