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Godinho RM, Umbelino C, Valera AC, Carvalho AF, Bicho N, Cascalheira J, Gonçalves C, Smith P. Mandibular morphology and the Mesolithic-Neolithic transition in Westernmost Iberia. Sci Rep 2023; 13:16648. [PMID: 37789074 PMCID: PMC10547775 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-42846-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2023] [Accepted: 09/15/2023] [Indexed: 10/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Neolithic farming and animal husbandry were first developed in the Near East ~ 10,000 BCE and expanded westwards, reaching westernmost Iberia no later than 5500 BCE. It resulted in major social, cultural, economic and dietary changes. Yet, the impact of this change on human mandibular morphology in Iberia is yet to be assessed, which is regrettable because mandible form is impacted by population history and diet. In this study we used Mesolithic to Chalcolithic Iberian samples to examine the impact of this transition on mandibular morphology. We also compared these samples with a Southern Levantine Chalcolithic population to assess their relationship. Lastly, we assessed dental wear to determine if the morphological differences identified were related to the material properties of the diet. We found differences between samples in mandibular shape but not size, which we attribute to contrasting population histories between Mesolithic and later populations. Some differences in the severity of dental wear were also found between Mesolithic and later Iberian samples, and smaller between the Mesolithic Iberians and southern Levantines. Little relationship was found between wear magnitude and mandibular shape. Altogether, our results show that the Mesolithic-Neolithic Iberian transition resulted in a meaningful change in mandibular morphology, which was likely driven more by population history than by dietary change.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ricardo Miguel Godinho
- Interdisciplinary Center for Archaeology and Evolution of Human Behaviour (ICArEHB), Faculdade das Ciências Humanas e Sociais, University of Algarve, Campus Gambelas, 8005-139, Faro, Portugal.
| | - Cláudia Umbelino
- Interdisciplinary Center for Archaeology and Evolution of Human Behaviour (ICArEHB), Faculdade das Ciências Humanas e Sociais, University of Algarve, Campus Gambelas, 8005-139, Faro, Portugal
- Department of Life Sciences, Research Centre for Anthropology and Health, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - António Carlos Valera
- Interdisciplinary Center for Archaeology and Evolution of Human Behaviour (ICArEHB), Faculdade das Ciências Humanas e Sociais, University of Algarve, Campus Gambelas, 8005-139, Faro, Portugal
- Era Arqueologia, S.A., Calçada de Santa Catarina, 9C, 1495-705, Cruz Quebrada, Portugal
| | - António Faustino Carvalho
- Centro de Estudos de Arqueologia, Artes e Ciências do Património (CEAACP), F.C.H.S., University of Algarve, Campus de Gambelas, 8000-117, Faro, Portugal
| | - Nuno Bicho
- Interdisciplinary Center for Archaeology and Evolution of Human Behaviour (ICArEHB), Faculdade das Ciências Humanas e Sociais, University of Algarve, Campus Gambelas, 8005-139, Faro, Portugal
| | - João Cascalheira
- Interdisciplinary Center for Archaeology and Evolution of Human Behaviour (ICArEHB), Faculdade das Ciências Humanas e Sociais, University of Algarve, Campus Gambelas, 8005-139, Faro, Portugal
| | - Célia Gonçalves
- Interdisciplinary Center for Archaeology and Evolution of Human Behaviour (ICArEHB), Faculdade das Ciências Humanas e Sociais, University of Algarve, Campus Gambelas, 8005-139, Faro, Portugal
| | - Patricia Smith
- Faculties of Medicine and Dental Medicine and National Natural History Collections, The Hebrew University, Jerusalem, Israel
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Radini A, Nikita E. Beyond dirty teeth: Integrating dental calculus studies with osteoarchaeological parameters. QUATERNARY INTERNATIONAL : THE JOURNAL OF THE INTERNATIONAL UNION FOR QUATERNARY RESEARCH 2023; 653-654:3-18. [PMID: 37089908 PMCID: PMC10109118 DOI: 10.1016/j.quaint.2022.03.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2021] [Revised: 02/23/2022] [Accepted: 03/04/2022] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
The study of ancient human dental calculus (mineralized dental plaque, also known as tartar) is becoming increasingly important in osteoarchaeology, human palaeoecology and environmental archaeology. Microremains of different origin (e.g. starch granules, pollen, phytoliths, feather barbules) as well as biomolecules and chemical compounds retrieved from its mineral matrix may represent an important link between past humans and their physical, biological and social environment, but they are rarely fully linked to the evidence from skeletal remains. This paper critically reviews the lines of evidence retrieved from dental calculus in relation to osteoarchaeological parameters, employing macroscopic, microscopic and biomolecular approaches, assessing synergy potential and limitations. The scope of this paper is also to contribute to the building of a much needed theoretical framework in this emerging subfield.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anita Radini
- BioArCh, Department of Archaeology, The University of York, Wentworth Way, York, UK
- York JEOL Nanocentre, The University of York, Science Park, York, UK
- Corresponding author. BioArCh, Department of Archaeology, The University of York, Wentworth Way, York, UK.
| | - Efthymia Nikita
- Science and Technology in Archaeology and Culture Research Center, The Cyprus Institute, 2121, Aglantzia, Nicosia, Cyprus
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Nowaczewska W, Górka K, Cieślik A. Assessment of the Relationship between the Total Occlusal Area of the Human Permanent Upper First and Second Molars and the Robusticity of the Facial Skeleton in Sex-Different Cranial Samples of Homo Sapiens: A Preliminary Study. BIOLOGY 2023; 12:biology12040566. [PMID: 37106765 PMCID: PMC10136266 DOI: 10.3390/biology12040566] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2023] [Revised: 03/31/2023] [Accepted: 04/03/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to establish whether there is a significant relationship between the total occlusal area (TOCA) of two types of permanent upper molars (first-M1 and second-M2) and facial robusticity, as well as which of the examined facial regions indicate a relationship concerning the grade of their massiveness with the TOCA of analyzed molars in different sex adult Homo sapiens cranial samples. To obtain the values of the TOCA of the molars (n = 145), a morphometric method was performed based on the calibrated digital images of their occlusal surface using ImageJ software. The grades of the massiveness of six facial regions were assessed using qualitative scales of their expression, and an index of general facial robusticity was calculated. Two types of analyses were performed concerning standardized and non-standardized traits to the facial size, including Spearman's/or Pearson's correlations and partial rank correlations. The obtained results indicated the presence of a positive relationship between the relative TOCA of M2s and the relative general facial robusticity, as well as between the TOCA of both types of molars and the massiveness of trigone region of the facial skeleton in male crania. However, most of the obtained results were not consistent with the assumptions of the "localized masticatory stress hypothesis".
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Affiliation(s)
- Wioletta Nowaczewska
- Department of Human Biology, University of Wrocław, S. Przybyszewskiego 63, 51-148 Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Katarzyna Górka
- Department of Anthropology, L. Hirszfeld Institute of Immunology and Experimental Therapy, Polish Academy of Sciences, Podwale 75, 50-449 Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Agata Cieślik
- Department of Anthropology, L. Hirszfeld Institute of Immunology and Experimental Therapy, Polish Academy of Sciences, Podwale 75, 50-449 Wroclaw, Poland
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Godinho RM, Umbelino C, Garcia S, Gonçalves C. Changes in dental wear magnitude in the last ∼8000 years in southwestern Iberia. Arch Oral Biol 2023; 147:105626. [PMID: 36701952 DOI: 10.1016/j.archoralbio.2023.105626] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2022] [Revised: 01/12/2023] [Accepted: 01/14/2023] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study examines changes in dental wear magnitude in the past ∼8000 years, i.e., since Mesolithic until the 19th century, in southwestern Iberia. Thus, it encompasses the transition from hunting-gathering to agro-pastoralism, and then to the industrialization of food production and pre-processing. DESIGN Dental wear magnitude was scored in a total of 191 individuals and 1557 teeth from Mesolithic (individuals=56; teeth=643), Neolithic (individuals=35; teeth=169), Chalcolithic (individuals =35; teeth=221), Modern Age (individuals=17; teeth=209), and Late Modern Age (individuals=48; teeth=315) samples originating in southwestern Iberia (i.e., present central and southern Portugal) and according to the 8 levels ordinal scale of Smith (1984). RESULTS Results show a general trend for decreased wear magnitude in these two major transitions and during this timespan (although the hunting-gathering - agro-pastoralism transition had larger impact). The only meaningful differences in wear rate were found between the Late Modern Age and all remaining samples. CONCLUSION Dental wear generally decreased during this timespan (although wear magnitude was less impacted by the industrialization of food production and pre-processing). Our results are consistent with studies documenting skull morphological gracilization associated with reduced masticatory demands due to the adoption of softer diets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ricardo Miguel Godinho
- Interdisciplinary Center for Archaeology and Evolution of Human Behaviour (ICArEHB), University of Algarve, Faculdade das Ciências Humanas e Sociais, Universidade do Algarve, Campus Gambelas, 8005-139 Faro, Portugal.
| | - Cláudia Umbelino
- Interdisciplinary Center for Archaeology and Evolution of Human Behaviour (ICArEHB), University of Algarve, Faculdade das Ciências Humanas e Sociais, Universidade do Algarve, Campus Gambelas, 8005-139 Faro, Portugal; Research Centre for Anthropology and Health, Department of Life Sciences, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Susana Garcia
- Centre for Public Administration and Public Policies, Institute of Social and Political Sciences, MUHNAC, Universidade de Lisboa, Rua Almerindo Lessa, 1300-663 Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Célia Gonçalves
- Interdisciplinary Center for Archaeology and Evolution of Human Behaviour (ICArEHB), University of Algarve, Faculdade das Ciências Humanas e Sociais, Universidade do Algarve, Campus Gambelas, 8005-139 Faro, Portugal
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Guatelli‐Steinberg D, Guerrieri T, Kensler TB, Maldonado E, Francis G, Kohn LAP, Zhao MQ, Turnquist JE, Wang Q. Male Cayo Santiago rhesus macaques ( Macaca mulatta) tend to have greater molar wear than females at comparable ages: exploring two possible reasons why. AMERICAN JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL ANTHROPOLOGY 2022; 178:437-447. [PMID: 36110367 PMCID: PMC9469874 DOI: 10.1002/ajpa.24519] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
Objectives (1) To investigate sex differences in molar wear in known-age Cayo Santiago rhesus macaques (Macaca mulatta) and, (2) To explore sex differences in body weight and molar eruption timing as factors influencing sex differences in molar wear. Materials and Methods Data set I comprises wear scores, ages and body weights of 212 living monkeys included in the 1985 roundup. Data set II consists of molar wear measurements taken on 2D images of 103 of these monkeys' dental remains. Ordinal logistic regression was used to analyze the first data set. General linear models were used to analyze the second. Results Males generally exhibited more wear than females at equivalent chronological ages, though results varied by tooth type for the second data set. Male body weight in the full 1985 living sample was significantly related to dental wear, when age was taken into account; however, when males less than eight years of age were eliminated from the sample, the association between dental wear and weight became statistically insignificant. Analysis of the second data set suggested no statistically significant sex difference in dental wear for third molars, despite the approximately two year sex difference in eruption age for this tooth type. Discussion This study suggests that body weight in males might be a predictor of dental wear and that if it is, body weight might also influence sex differences in dental wear. Sex differences in dental eruption timing do not appear to explain sex differences in dental wear in this sample.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Taylor Guerrieri
- Department of AnthropologyThe Ohio State UniversityColumbusOhioUSA
| | - Terry B. Kensler
- Caribbean Primate Research CenterUniversity of Puerto RicoSan JuanPuerto Rico
| | - Elizabeth Maldonado
- Caribbean Primate Research CenterUniversity of Puerto RicoSan JuanPuerto Rico
| | - George Francis
- Department of Biomedical SciencesTexas A&M University College of DentistryDallasTexasUSA
| | - Luci A. P. Kohn
- Department of Biological SciencesSouthern Illinois UniversityEdwardsvilleIllinoisUSA
| | - Martin Q. Zhao
- Department of Computer ScienceMercer UniversityMaconGeorgiaUSA
| | - Jean E. Turnquist
- Caribbean Primate Research CenterUniversity of Puerto RicoSan JuanPuerto Rico
| | - Qian Wang
- Department of Biomedical SciencesTexas A&M University College of DentistryDallasTexasUSA
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Godinho RM, Gonçalves C. Testing the reliability of CT scan-based dental wear magnitude scoring. AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PHYSICAL ANTHROPOLOGY 2021; 176:521-527. [PMID: 34297351 DOI: 10.1002/ajpa.24374] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2020] [Revised: 06/29/2021] [Accepted: 07/07/2021] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Digital models are now frequently used in biological anthropology (bioanthropology) research. Despite several studies validating this type of research, none has examined if the assessment of dental wear magnitude based on Computerized Tomography (CT) scans is reliable. Thus, this study aims to fill this gap and assess if dental wear magnitude scoring based on CT scans provides results consistent with scoring based on direct observation of the physical specimens. MATERIALS AND METHODS Dental wear magnitude from 412 teeth of 35 mandibles originating from the Portuguese Muge and Sado Mesolithic shell-middens was scored. The mandibles were also CT scanned and visualized using 3D Slicer. CT scan-based scoring of dental wear magnitude was then undertaken. Two scoring rounds were undertaken for each observation method (totaling four scoring rounds) and an intra-observer error test was performed. The averaged results of the two observation methods were compared via boxplots with paired cases. RESULTS Intra-observer error was negligible and non-significant. Scoring results are comparable between the two observation methods. Notwithstanding, some differences were found, in which CT scan assessment generally overestimates dental wear when compared to direct observation. DISCUSSION Our results generally validate the use of CT scans in studies of dental wear magnitude. Notwithstanding several caveats relating to CT scanning and visualization limitations should be considered to avoid over or under-estimation of dental wear.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ricardo Miguel Godinho
- Interdisciplinary Center for Archaeology and Evolution of Human Behaviour (ICArHEB), Faculdade das Ciências Humanas e Sociais, Universidade do Algarve, Campus Gambelas, Faro, Portugal
| | - Célia Gonçalves
- Interdisciplinary Center for Archaeology and Evolution of Human Behaviour (ICArHEB), Faculdade das Ciências Humanas e Sociais, Universidade do Algarve, Campus Gambelas, Faro, Portugal
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7
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Fernée C, Zakrzewski S, Robson Brown K. Dimorphism in dental tissues: Sex differences in archaeological individuals for multiple tooth types. AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PHYSICAL ANTHROPOLOGY 2020; 175:106-127. [PMID: 33247477 DOI: 10.1002/ajpa.24174] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2020] [Revised: 10/29/2020] [Accepted: 11/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Dimorphism in the dentition has been observed in human populations worldwide. However, research has largely focused on traditional linear crown measurements. As imaging systems, such as micro-computed tomography (micro-CT), become increasingly more accessible, new dental measurements such as dental tissue size and proportions can be obtained. This research investigates the variation of dental tissues and proportions by sex in archaeological samples. MATERIALS AND METHODS Upper and lower first incisor to second premolar tooth rows were obtained from 30 individuals (n = 300), from 3 archaeological samples. The teeth were micro-CT scanned and surface area and volumetric measurements were obtained from the surface meshes extracted. Dental wear was also recorded and differences between sexes determined. RESULTS Enamel and crown measurements were found to be larger in females. Conversely, dentine and root measurements were larger in males. DISCUSSION The findings support the potential use of dental tissues to estimate sex of individuals from archaeological samples, while also indicating that individuals aged using current dental aging methods may be underaged or overaged due to sex differences in enamel thickness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christianne Fernée
- Department of Anthropology and Archaeology, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK.,Department of Archaeology, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - Sonia Zakrzewski
- Department of Archaeology, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - Kate Robson Brown
- Department of Anthropology and Archaeology, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
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Blasi DE, Moran S, Moisik SR, Widmer P, Dediu D, Bickel B. Human sound systems are shaped by post-Neolithic changes in bite configuration. Science 2019; 363:363/6432/eaav3218. [PMID: 30872490 DOI: 10.1126/science.aav3218] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2018] [Accepted: 02/06/2019] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Linguistic diversity, now and in the past, is widely regarded to be independent of biological changes that took place after the emergence of Homo sapiens We show converging evidence from paleoanthropology, speech biomechanics, ethnography, and historical linguistics that labiodental sounds (such as "f" and "v") were innovated after the Neolithic. Changes in diet attributable to food-processing technologies modified the human bite from an edge-to-edge configuration to one that preserves adolescent overbite and overjet into adulthood. This change favored the emergence and maintenance of labiodentals. Our findings suggest that language is shaped not only by the contingencies of its history, but also by culturally induced changes in human biology.
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Affiliation(s)
- D E Blasi
- Department of Comparative Linguistics, University of Zurich, 8032 Zurich, Switzerland. .,Center for the Interdisciplinary Study of Language Evolution, University of Zurich, 8032 Zurich, Switzerland.,Department of Linguistic and Cultural Evolution, Max Planck Institute for the Science of Human History, 07745 Jena, Germany.,Human Relations Area Files, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06511, USA.,Laboratory of Quantitative Linguistics, Kazan Federal University, 420000 Kazan, Russia
| | - S Moran
- Department of Comparative Linguistics, University of Zurich, 8032 Zurich, Switzerland.,Center for the Interdisciplinary Study of Language Evolution, University of Zurich, 8032 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - S R Moisik
- Division of Linguistics and Multilingual Studies, Nanyang Technological University, 637332 Singapore
| | - P Widmer
- Department of Comparative Linguistics, University of Zurich, 8032 Zurich, Switzerland.,Center for the Interdisciplinary Study of Language Evolution, University of Zurich, 8032 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - D Dediu
- Laboratoire Dynamique Du Langage UMR 5596, Université Lumière Lyon 2, 69363 Lyon Cedex 07, France.,Language and Genetics Department, Max Planck Institute for Psycholinguistics, 6525 XD Nijmegen, Netherlands
| | - B Bickel
- Department of Comparative Linguistics, University of Zurich, 8032 Zurich, Switzerland.,Center for the Interdisciplinary Study of Language Evolution, University of Zurich, 8032 Zurich, Switzerland
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9
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Watson JT, Haas R. Dental evidence for wild tuber processing among Titicaca Basin foragers 7000 ybp. AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PHYSICAL ANTHROPOLOGY 2017; 164:117-130. [DOI: 10.1002/ajpa.23261] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2017] [Revised: 05/19/2017] [Accepted: 05/22/2017] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- James T. Watson
- Arizona State Museum, University of Arizona; Tucson Arizona 85721
- School of Anthropology; University of Arizona; Tucson Arizona 85721
| | - Randall Haas
- Department of Anthropology; University of California; Davis California 95616
- Collasuyo Archaeological Research Institute; Puno Peru
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10
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Littleton J. Dental wear and age grading at Roonka, South Australia. AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PHYSICAL ANTHROPOLOGY 2017; 163:519-530. [PMID: 28374451 DOI: 10.1002/ajpa.23226] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2016] [Revised: 03/21/2017] [Accepted: 03/22/2017] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES In many hunter-gatherer populations, the teeth are used as a third hand or a tool. Much attention has been paid to wear and its relationship to gendered division of labor, but age is also a significant organizing factor in many societies. In this article, I analyze whether the pattern of wear at Roonka, Australia, reflects the age-graded acquisition of tasks. MATERIALS AND METHODS The remains analyzed come from Roonka and date from c6000 BP to 150 BP. In total 126 adults and juveniles were analyzed. Wear gradients were calculated for each tooth relative to wear on the first molar. Data were compared using nonparametric statistics and cluster analysis to assess the degree of patterning within the sample. RESULTS Dental wear proceeded rapidly. There is no evidence of sex differences in the pattern of wear. Age differences do occur. While disproportionate anterior wear occurs among juveniles and young adults, by middle adulthood the pattern is less variable and involves the premolars. Old adults have a much flatter pattern of wear. DISCUSSION The pattern of wear is consistent with ethnographic observations, which suggest a degree of latitude in the activities of juveniles and young adults. By middle age variability between individuals declines reflecting shared tasks and more intensive use of the teeth. The pattern of wear amongst old adults, however, is much flatter presumably due to changes in occlusion. While dental wear is informative about the organization of labor there is a need to take into account both patterns of activity and occlusion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Judith Littleton
- Department of Anthropology, University of Auckland, 1010, New Zealand
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11
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Radini A, Nikita E, Buckley S, Copeland L, Hardy K. Beyond food: The multiple pathways for inclusion of materials into ancient dental calculus. AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PHYSICAL ANTHROPOLOGY 2017; 162 Suppl 63:71-83. [DOI: 10.1002/ajpa.23147] [Citation(s) in RCA: 72] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2016] [Revised: 11/15/2016] [Accepted: 11/18/2016] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Efthymia Nikita
- Science and Technology in Archaeology Research Centre, The Cyprus InstituteNicosia Cyprus
| | | | - Les Copeland
- School of Life and Environmental SciencesUniversity of SydneyNSW 2006 Australia
| | - Karen Hardy
- ICREA, Pg. Lluís Companys 23. 08010 Barcelona
- Departament de Prehistòria, UAB, Campus UAB. 08193 Cerdanyola del Vallès
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12
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Górka K, Romero A, Pérez-Pérez A. First molar size and wear within and among modern hunter-gatherers and agricultural populations. HOMO-JOURNAL OF COMPARATIVE HUMAN BIOLOGY 2015; 66:299-315. [PMID: 26032341 DOI: 10.1016/j.jchb.2015.02.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2013] [Accepted: 02/15/2015] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Apart from reflecting modern human dental variation, differences in dental size among populations provide a means for studying continuous evolutionary processes and their mechanisms. Dental wear, on the other hand, has been widely used to infer dietary adaptations and variability among or within diverse ancient human populations. Few such studies have focused on modern foragers and farmers, however, and diverse methods have been used. This research aimed to apply a single, standardized, and systematic quantitative procedure to measure dental size and dentin exposure in order to analyze differences among several hunter-gatherer and agricultural populations from various environments and geographic origins. In particular, we focused on sexual dimorphism and intergroup differences in the upper and lower first molars. Results indicated no sexual dimorphism in molar size and wear within the studied populations. Despite the great ethnographic variation in subsistence strategies among these populations, our findings suggest that differences in sexual division of labor do not affect dietary wear patterns.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katarzyna Górka
- Secció Antropologia, Departament de Biologia Animal, Facultat de Biologia, Universitat de Barcelona, 08028, Spain
| | - Alejandro Romero
- Departament de Biotecnología, Facultat de Ciencias, Universidad de Alicante, 03690, Spain
| | - Alejandro Pérez-Pérez
- Secció Antropologia, Departament de Biologia Animal, Facultat de Biologia, Universitat de Barcelona, 08028, Spain.
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