What might the shape of the skull and the supraorbital height tell us about each species?

The shape of the skull and the height of the supraorbital ridge (the bony protrusion above the eyes) can provide various insights into the anatomy, behavior, and evolutionary adaptations of different species.

In the context of human evolution, for example, examining the skull shape can reveal information such as brain size, diet, and even social behaviors. Early hominins often had heavy, pronounced brow ridges, whereas modern humans (Homo sapiens) typically have much smoother foreheads with reduced brow ridges.

A pronounced supraorbital ridge can indicate the presence of strong jaw muscles, which might suggest that the species had a diet that required a lot of chewing of tough, fibrous foods. This can often be seen in earlier human ancestors or other primates.

Additionally, the overall skull shape can imply particular adaptations to environmental factors such as climate. For example, skulls with larger nasal cavities might be indicative of adaptations to colder climates.

As for non-human species, the same principles can be applied to understand their biology and lifestyle. In carnivores, for instance, the shape of the skull and the size of the jaw muscles (indicated by features like the supraorbital height) can reflect their predatory nature and need for powerful bites to capture and process prey.