Final answer:
The sagittal crest is a bony ridge on the top of the skulls of some animals and early hominids, providing an attachment for strong jaw muscles. It is different from the sagittal suture, which is a joint in the human skull.
Step-by-step explanation:
The sagittal crest is a bony ridge on the top of the skull to which the jaw muscles are attached. It is most commonly seen in animals such as gorillas and early hominids, where it serves as an anchor point for powerful jaw muscles, which are necessary for chewing tough or fibrous food. The presence of a sagittal crest is generally associated with animals that have strong bites or that consume diets requiring significant mastication. In contrast, the sagittal suture is a joint that unites the right and left parietal bones at the midline along the top of the skull, which can be found in the human cranium.