The Functional Morphology of British Cattle: Biomechanical and Shape Analysis of Aurochs and Domestic Cattle

This study focused on the morphological changes associated with the domestication of Bos primigenius to Bos taurus, particularly changes to the morphology of the skull. The domestication of cattle from aurochs is integral to and entwined in the human story. Given the economic and cultural significance of cattle to humans, it is vital to understand fully this relationship and how it shaped development of humans and cattle. This was investigated using state-of-the-art 3D statistical shape analysis methods, geometric morphometric methods (GMM) and finite element analysis. The first aim of this project was to undercover shape change within and between Bos primigenius and Bos taurus, and to determine whether domestication has altered the relationship between size and shape in bovine skulls. Secondly, the project assessed whether changes to cranial shape have functional implications, principally regarding feeding and mastication, but also other cranial functions such as the impact of different horn sizes. The results of this research address many important questions surrounding differences between aurochs and the Bos taurus. Most notably showing differences in the cranial form between wild and domestic species that have previously not been identified. Furthermore, it is shown morphological differences have biomechanical implications for the living animals, with wild cattle having greater functional ability with regard to diet but also the headgear they can physically support. This research supports novel findings with regards to aurochs and domestic cattle, along with the application of techniques not previously applied to this area of research.