Dental Anthropology

Sexual variation in the human skeleton and dentition is of great concern for both anthropologists and odontologists. Assessment of variation in dental size gives a clue about the behavior of a population, and also differences between the sexes. The purpose of this study was to analyze dental dimensions and sexual variation in Iranians and develop forensic techniques to identify human remains from the teeth when any other technique is not available or not reliable. The study is composed of 100 stone casts of Azad University dental students from Iranian population of either sex ranging age from 18 to 24 years. Bucco-lingual breadths from 14 teeth (I1 through M2 of the maxilla and mandible) are taken from the left side and analyzed using the discriminant function statistics. Results of the study revealed that males exceeded females significantly (P < 0:001) in dimensions. Stepwise discriminant function statistics suggested that upper M2 and lower C are the most contributory teeth to the function. In conclusion this research supports earlier studies that sexual dimorphism is population specific.

(Reconstructing diets in human ancestors)

Dental microwear is the study of the microscopic scratches and pits that form on a tooth’s surface as the result of its use.

Much of the dental microwear research that has been conducted thus far has focused on humans and non-human primates. These can be used as models to reconstruct diets in human ancestors and other fossil primates. [Image: SEM micrograph for Gorilla gorilla wear facet.]

Source: Deptt of Anthropology - University of Arkansas, © Neogene Paleoecology Working Group