# Hominin Variability and Evolutionary Relationships at Guattari Cave During the Middle and Late Pleistocene (San Felice Circeo, Latina, Italy)

## TL;DR

Fossils from Guattari Cave in Italy reveal diverse hominin traits from the Middle and Late Pleistocene, offering insights into human evolution.

## Contribution

The study provides new morphometric evidence of hominin variability and evolutionary relationships in the Mediterranean region.

## Key findings

- The Guattari Cave hominin remains show affinities with Homo erectus, Proto-Neanderthals, classical Neanderthals, and Homo sapiens.
- The remains exhibit a mix of primitive and derived traits, indicating significant morpho-anatomical variability.
- The findings highlight the Mediterranean as a key region for understanding hominin diversity and evolution.

## Abstract

Background/Objectives: Along the Tyrrhenian coast of central Italy, multilayered caves have yielded significant Neanderthal-era human remains. Recent excavations at Guattari Cave uncovered hominin fossils dated to approximately 66–65 ka, revealing a population with notable morpho-anatomical variability exhibiting both plesiomorphic (primitive) and autapomorphic (derived) traits. Methods: Here we present detailed morphometric and comparative analyses of cranial, dental, and postcranial remains, demonstrating affinities with Homo erectus (sensu stricto [s.s.] and lato [s.l.]), Proto-Neanderthals, classical Neanderthals, and Homo sapiens. Results: These findings indicate notable morpho-anatomical variability among the Guattari Cave hominin remains, with affinities to multiple hominin lineages during the Middle and Late Pleistocene. Pleistocene. Conclusions: The Guattari Cave assemblage thus contributes to our understanding of Eurasian hominin diversity and evolutionary dynamics, highlighting the Mediterranean as a region of interest for studying the phyletic continuity and diversity preceding modern humans.