Final answer:
Skeletal characteristics such as jaw robustness and teeth size/shape reveal aspects of cranial musculature and dietary patterns, indicating evolutionary adaptations.
Step-by-step explanation:
Two skeletal characteristics that provide insight into an individual's cranial musculature and dietary pattern are the robustness of the jawbones and the size and shape of the teeth. The size of the mastoid process and the prominence of muscle attachment sites indicate the magnitude of cranial muscles which is associated with the strength of muscles used for chewing. A robust jaw and larger, flatter molars suggest a diet of harder, fibrous plants, while sharper, smaller teeth suggest a more carnivorous diet.
The skeletal system's major divisions are the axial skeletal system, which includes the skull, spine, and rib cage, and the appendicular skeletal system, composed of limbs and girdles. The axial skeleton houses the brain, supports the body, and protects the internal organs. Understanding cranial features and their correlation with musculature and diet offers insights into the evolutionary adaptations of different species.