A comparison of tooth structure in Neanderthals and early Homo sapiens sapiens: a radiographic study
Zilberman, U.; Smith, P.
Journal of Anatomy 180: 387-393
1992
ISSN/ISBN: 0021-8782 PMID: 1487432 Document Number: 403347
Tooth components of first and second erupted permanent molars were measured from standardized radiographs of Homo sapiens sapiens and Homo sapiens neanderthalensis. Enamel height was greater in Homo sapiens sapiens but the pulp height and width and height of enamel to floor of pulp chamber were greater in Homo sapiens neanderthalensis. Dentin height, crown width and enamel width showed similar results in the two groups. Unerupted first molars were measured to analyze the influence of function on tooth components and the results obtained were always inside the range measured for the erupted teeth. Discriminate analysis between groups, using tooth components, showed accuracy of 92.86% for identification of Homo sapiens sapiens and 94.12% for identification of Homo sapiens neanderthalensis. The results support the hypothesis of a distinct evolutionary line for the Neanderthals.