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Riga A, Boggioni M, Papini A, Buzi C, Profico A, Di Vincenzo F, Marchi D, Moggi-Cecchi J, Manzi G. In situ observations on the dentition and oral cavity of the Neanderthal skeleton from Altamura (Italy). PLoS One 2020; 15:e0241713. [PMID: 33264306 PMCID: PMC7710085 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0241713] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2020] [Accepted: 10/20/2020] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
The Neanderthal specimen from Lamalunga Cave, near Altamura (Apulia, Italy), was discovered during a speleological survey in 1993. The specimen is one of the most complete fossil hominins in Europe and its state of preservation is exceptional, although it is stuck in calcareous concretions and the bones are mostly covered by calcite depositions. Nevertheless, it is possible to carry out some observations on craniodental features that have not previously been described. In this work, we present an account of the oral cavity, made possible by the use of a videoscope, which allowed us to reach some hidden parts of the mandible and palate. This is the first detailed overview of the teeth and maxillary bones of the Neanderthal skeleton from Altamura. The dentition is almost complete. However, two teeth (upper right P3 and upper left M1) were lost ante mortem and four teeth (lower right I1 and P3 and lower left I1 and I2) were lost most probably post mortem. Dental wear is marked. The erupted M3s and the inversion of the compensating curve of Wilson in the M1s and M2s but not in the M3s suggest that the individual is fully adult, but not old. Although most of the teeth have their roots exposed for several millimeters, the periodontal bone appears to be in good condition overall, except in correspondence of the two ante-mortem tooth losses. X-rays of the anterior teeth show a periapical lesion, probably linked to the advanced dental wear. We also observed a weak expression of taurodontism in the posterior dentition and the presence of a retromolar space, features consistent with an attribution to the Neanderthal hypodigm; this attribution is also supported by aspects of the cranial morphology, the morphometric analysis of the scapula and preliminary mtDNA data. There is also a well-developed palatine torus, to the best of our knowledge a feature not previously described in Neanderthals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandro Riga
- Department of Biology, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
- Laboratory of Archaeoanthropology, SABAP-FI, Scandicci (FI), Italy
| | | | | | - Costantino Buzi
- Department of Environmental Biology, Sapienza University of Rome, Roma, Italy
| | - Antonio Profico
- Department of Environmental Biology, Sapienza University of Rome, Roma, Italy
- Department of Archaeology, University of York, York, United Kingdom
| | - Fabio Di Vincenzo
- Department of Environmental Biology, Sapienza University of Rome, Roma, Italy
- Natural History Museum, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Damiano Marchi
- Department of Biology, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
- Evolutionary Studies Institute and Centre for Excellence in PalaeoSciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | | | - Giorgio Manzi
- Department of Environmental Biology, Sapienza University of Rome, Roma, Italy
- Istituto Italiano di Paleontologia Umana, Anagni, Roma, Italy
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Reconstructing Denisovan Anatomy Using DNA Methylation Maps. Cell 2020; 179:180-192.e10. [PMID: 31539495 DOI: 10.1016/j.cell.2019.08.035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2019] [Revised: 05/24/2019] [Accepted: 08/20/2019] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Denisovans are an extinct group of humans whose morphology remains unknown. Here, we present a method for reconstructing skeletal morphology using DNA methylation patterns. Our method is based on linking unidirectional methylation changes to loss-of-function phenotypes. We tested performance by reconstructing Neanderthal and chimpanzee skeletal morphologies and obtained >85% precision in identifying divergent traits. We then applied this method to the Denisovan and offer a putative morphological profile. We suggest that Denisovans likely shared with Neanderthals traits such as an elongated face and a wide pelvis. We also identify Denisovan-derived changes, such as an increased dental arch and lateral cranial expansion. Our predictions match the only morphologically informative Denisovan bone to date, as well as the Xuchang skull, which was suggested by some to be a Denisovan. We conclude that DNA methylation can be used to reconstruct anatomical features, including some that do not survive in the fossil record.
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