Final answer:
Skull features such as pronounced brow ridges, larger mastoid processes, and an occipital bun tend to be more prominent in males, while females often have smoother contours and more rounded chins. These characteristics vary widely and are not definitive indicators of gender.
Step-by-step explanation:
The skull is a complex structure composed of cranial and facial bones, which can exhibit variations that are sometimes used to distinguish between genders. Notable features that can be indicative of gender include the presence of a more prominent brow ridge and a larger mastoid process typically found in males, and a more rounded chin and overall smoother contour of the skull often found in females. However, it's important to note that there's a considerable overlap in these characteristics, and they are not definitive markers on their own.
The occipital bone can sometimes have a more pronounced protrusion known as the occipital bun in males, which can help to balance the weight of the anterior portion of the skull and face. The cranium also tends to be larger in males, with features such as a more prominent supraorbital margin (the ridge above the eyes).
In the context of hominin fossils, like Homo habilis or Homo antecessor, these skeletal features are even more significant, as they often provide critical clues to the classification and understanding of these early human species. Still, caution is required, as many species exhibit overlapping traits that can make differentiation challenging.