1
|
Bermúdez de Castro JM, Martínez de Pinillos M, Martín-Francés L, Modesto-Mata M, García-Campos C, Arsuaga JL, Martinón-Torres M. Dental remains of the Middle Pleistocene hominins from the Sima de los Huesos site (Sierra de Atapuerca, Spain): Maxillary dentition. Anat Rec (Hoboken) 2024; 307:2325-2342. [PMID: 34866354 DOI: 10.1002/ar.24841] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2021] [Revised: 07/12/2021] [Accepted: 11/04/2021] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
The Middle Pleistocene site of the Sima de los Huesos (Sierra de Atapuerca, northern Spain) has yielded a considerable number of human fossils during the period 1984-2020. Among them, up to 253 maxillary teeth have been recovered. In this article, we present the description of the eight dental classes of the maxilla following the Arizona State University Dental Anthropology System classification. In addition, we present the mean mesiodistal and buccolingual diameters of these teeth compared to those of Neanderthals and a modern human sample. The morphology of both the anterior and posterior teeth suggests a close relationship of the Sima de los Huesos hominins with the populations of the second half of the Middle Pleistocene of Europe and the Near East, as well as with the so-called classic Neanderthals of Europe. Features with a recognizable taxonomic signal allow grouping the Sima de los Huesos hominins with different paleodemes into a Neanderthal clade. The dental evidence of the Sima de los Huesos hominins is key to suggest a complex model for the settlement of Europe during the Middle Pleistocene. During this period, different migrations of human groups probably coming from Southwest Asia, replacements, prolonged isolations, as well as hybridization and introgression processes would have contributed to the diversity of hominins in Europe.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- José María Bermúdez de Castro
- Department of Paleobiology, Centro Nacional de Investigación sobre la Evolución Humana (CENIEH), Paseo de la Sierra de Atapuerca 3, Burgos, 09002, Spain
- Anthropology Department, University College London, London, UK
| | - Marina Martínez de Pinillos
- Department of Paleobiology, Centro Nacional de Investigación sobre la Evolución Humana (CENIEH), Paseo de la Sierra de Atapuerca 3, Burgos, 09002, Spain
| | - Laura Martín-Francés
- Department of Paleobiology, Centro Nacional de Investigación sobre la Evolución Humana (CENIEH), Paseo de la Sierra de Atapuerca 3, Burgos, 09002, Spain
- Anthropology Department, University College London, London, UK
- Fundación Atapuerca, Carretera de Logroño 44, Ibeas de Juarros, Burgos, 09198, Spain
| | - Mario Modesto-Mata
- Equipo Primeros Pobladores de Extremadura, Casa de la Cultura Rodríguez Moñino, Cáceres, Spain
| | - Cecilia García-Campos
- Department of Paleobiology, Centro Nacional de Investigación sobre la Evolución Humana (CENIEH), Paseo de la Sierra de Atapuerca 3, Burgos, 09002, Spain
- Fundación Atapuerca, Carretera de Logroño 44, Ibeas de Juarros, Burgos, 09198, Spain
| | - Juan Luis Arsuaga
- Centro Mixto UCM-ISCIII de Evolución y Comportamiento Humanos, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
- Departamento de Paleontología, Facultad de Ciencias Geológicas, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - María Martinón-Torres
- Department of Paleobiology, Centro Nacional de Investigación sobre la Evolución Humana (CENIEH), Paseo de la Sierra de Atapuerca 3, Burgos, 09002, Spain
- Anthropology Department, University College London, London, UK
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Popovici M, Groza VM, Bejenaru L, Petraru OM. Dental morphological variation in Chalcolithic and Bronze Age human populations from North-Eastern Romania. Ann Anat 2023; 245:152015. [DOI: 10.1016/j.aanat.2022.152015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2022] [Revised: 09/06/2022] [Accepted: 10/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
|
3
|
Lockey AL, Rodríguez L, Martín-Francés L, Arsuaga JL, Bermúdez de Castro JM, Crété L, Martinón-Torres M, Parfitt S, Pope M, Stringer C. Comparing the Boxgrove and Atapuerca (Sima de los Huesos) human fossils: Do they represent distinct paleodemes? J Hum Evol 2022; 172:103253. [PMID: 36162354 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhevol.2022.103253] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2021] [Revised: 08/17/2022] [Accepted: 08/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
The early Middle Pleistocene human material from Boxgrove (West Sussex, UK) consists of a partial left tibia and two lower incisors from a separate adult individual. These remains derive from deposits assigned to the MIS 13 interglacial at about 480 ka and have been referred to as Homo cf. heidelbergensis. The much larger skeletal sample from the Sima de los Huesos (Atapuerca, Spain) is dated to the succeeding MIS 12, at about 430 ka. This fossil material has previously been assigned to Homo heidelbergensis but is now placed within the Neanderthal clade. Because of the scarcity of human remains from the Middle Pleistocene and their morphological variability, this study assessed whether the Boxgrove specimens fit within the morphological variability of the homogeneous Sima de los Huesos population. Based on morphometric analyses performed against 22 lower incisors from Sima de los Huesos and published material, the data from the Boxgrove incisors place them comfortably within the range of Sima de los Huesos. Both assemblages present robust incisors distinct from the overall small recent Homo sapiens incisors, and Boxgrove also aligns closely with Homo neanderthalensis and some other European Middle Pleistocene hominins. Following morphological and cross-sectional analyses of the Boxgrove tibia compared to seven adult Sima de los Huesos specimens and a set of comparative tibiae, Boxgrove is shown to be similar to Sima de los Huesos and Neanderthals in having thick cortices and bone walls, but in contrast resembles modern humans in having a straight anterior tibial crest and a suggestion of a lateral concavity. Based on the patterns observed, there is no justification for assigning the Boxgrove and Sima de los Huesos incisors to distinct paleodemes, but the tibial data show greater contrasts and suggest that all three of these samples are unlikely to represent the same paleodeme.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Annabelle L Lockey
- Department of Anthropology, University College London, 14 Taviton Street, London, WC1H 0BW, UK; Paleoanthropology, Senckenberg Center for Human Evolution and Paleoenvironment, Universität Tübingen, 72070, Germany
| | - Laura Rodríguez
- Área de Antropología Física, Departamento de Biodiversidad y Gestión Ambiental, Facultad de Ciencias Biologicas y Ambientales, Universidad de León. Campus de Vegazana s/n, 24071 León, Spain; Laboratorio de Evolución Humana, Departamento de Historia, Geografía y Comunicación, Facultad de Humanidades y Comunicación, Universidad de Burgos, Edificio I+D+i, Plaza Misael Bañuelos s/n, C/ Villadiego s/n, 09001, Burgos, Spain
| | - Laura Martín-Francés
- Departamento de Geodinámica, Estratigrafía y Paleontología, Facultad de Ciencias Geológicas, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, 28040, Madrid, Spain; Centro Mixto (UCM-ISCIII) de Evolución y Comportamiento Humanos, Av. Monforte de Lemos 5, 28029, Madrid, Spain; National Research Center on Human Evolution (CENIEH), Paseo Sierra de Atapuerca 3, 09002, Burgos, Spain; Institut Català de Paleoecologia Humana i Evolució Social (IPHES-CERCA), Zona Educacional 4, Campus Sescelades URV (Edifici W3), 43007, Tarragona, Spain
| | - Juan Luis Arsuaga
- Departamento de Geodinámica, Estratigrafía y Paleontología, Facultad de Ciencias Geológicas, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, 28040, Madrid, Spain; Centro Mixto (UCM-ISCIII) de Evolución y Comportamiento Humanos, Av. Monforte de Lemos 5, 28029, Madrid, Spain; Cátedra de Bioacústica Evolutiva y Paleoantropología (HM Hospitales - Universidad de Alcalá), Área de Antropología Física, Departamento de Ciencias de la Vida, Universidad de Alcalá, 28871, Alcalá de Henares, Madrid, Spain
| | - José María Bermúdez de Castro
- Department of Anthropology, University College London, 14 Taviton Street, London, WC1H 0BW, UK; National Research Center on Human Evolution (CENIEH), Paseo Sierra de Atapuerca 3, 09002, Burgos, Spain
| | - Lucile Crété
- Centre for Human Evolution Research (CHER), The Natural History Museum, London, SW7 5BD, UK.
| | - María Martinón-Torres
- Department of Anthropology, University College London, 14 Taviton Street, London, WC1H 0BW, UK; National Research Center on Human Evolution (CENIEH), Paseo Sierra de Atapuerca 3, 09002, Burgos, Spain
| | - Simon Parfitt
- Centre for Human Evolution Research (CHER), The Natural History Museum, London, SW7 5BD, UK; Institute of Archaeology, University College London, 31-34 Gordon Square, London, WC1H 0PY, UK
| | - Matt Pope
- Institute of Archaeology, University College London, 31-34 Gordon Square, London, WC1H 0PY, UK
| | - Chris Stringer
- Centre for Human Evolution Research (CHER), The Natural History Museum, London, SW7 5BD, UK
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Zubova AV, Moiseyev VG, Kulkov AM, Otcherednoy AK, Markin SV, Kolobova KA. Maxillary second molar from the Rozhok I Micoquian site (Azov Sea region): Another link between Eastern Europe and Siberia. J Hum Evol 2022; 168:103209. [PMID: 35617848 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhevol.2022.103209] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2021] [Revised: 04/12/2022] [Accepted: 04/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Alisa V Zubova
- Peter the Great Museum of Anthropology and Ethnography (Kunstkamera), Russian Academy of Sciences, Universitetskaya emb. 3, St. Petersburg, 199034, Russia; Institute of Archaeology and Ethnography, Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Lavrentieva av., 17, Novosibirsk, 630090, Russia.
| | - Vyacheslav G Moiseyev
- Peter the Great Museum of Anthropology and Ethnography (Kunstkamera), Russian Academy of Sciences, Universitetskaya emb. 3, St. Petersburg, 199034, Russia
| | - Alexander M Kulkov
- Saint Petersburg State University, Universitetskaya emb. 7-9, St. Petersburg, 199034, Russia
| | - Aleksander K Otcherednoy
- Institute for the History of Material Culture, Russian Academy of Sciences, Dvortsovaya emb. 18, St. Petersburg, 191186, Russia
| | - Sergey V Markin
- Institute of Archaeology and Ethnography, Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Lavrentieva av., 17, Novosibirsk, 630090, Russia
| | - Ksenia A Kolobova
- Institute of Archaeology and Ethnography, Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Lavrentieva av., 17, Novosibirsk, 630090, Russia
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Roksandic M, Radović P, Lindal J, Mihailović D. Early Neanderthals in contact: The Chibanian (Middle Pleistocene) hominin dentition from Velika Balanica Cave, Southern Serbia. J Hum Evol 2022; 166:103175. [PMID: 35339947 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhevol.2022.103175] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2021] [Revised: 02/16/2022] [Accepted: 02/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Neanderthals are Eurasian fossil hominins whose distinctive morphology developed in the southwestern corner of Europe and later spread throughout the continent, reaching Southwest Asia before the Late Pleistocene and spreading into Central Asia by 59-49 ka. The timing, tempo, and route of the Neanderthal movements eastward are poorly documented. The earliest probable evidence of Neanderthals in Asia comes from Karain E Cave (Anatolia, Turkey), dated to 250-200 ka. We present four Chibanian (Middle Pleistocene) hominin specimens, representing at least two individuals, from Velika Balanica Cave (Serbia): a permanent upper third molar (BH-2), a deciduous upper fourth premolar (BH-3) refitted to a poorly preserved maxillary fragment with the permanent first molar in the alveolus (BH-4), and a permanent upper central incisor (BH-5). We provide descriptions of the teeth, as well as a comparative analysis of the well-preserved M1 (BH-4), including assessments of cusp angles, relative occlusal polygon area, relative cusp base areas, two- and three-dimensional enamel thickness, and taurodontism. Morphology of both the occlusal surface and the enamel dentine junction of the M1 indicates that the maxillary fragment and associated dP4 belonged to an early Neanderthal child. The heavily worn I1 and M3 are consistent with the Neanderthal morphology, although they are less distinct taxonomically. These Chibanian remains with provenance from layer 3a are constrained by two thermoluminescence dates: 285 ± 34 ka and 295 ± 74 ka. They represent the earliest current evidence of Neanderthal spread into the Eastern Mediterranean Area. We discuss these findings in light of recent direct evidence for cultural connections between Southwestern Asia and Southeast Europe in the Chibanian.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mirjana Roksandic
- Department of Anthropology, University of Winnipeg, 515 Portage Avenue, Winnipeg, MB, R3B 2E9, Canada; Department of Anthropology, University of Manitoba, 432 Fletcher Argue Building, 15 Chancellor Circle, Winnipeg, MB, R3T 2N2, Canada; Fellow, DFG Center for Advanced Studies 'Words, Bones, Genes, Tools', University of Tübingen, 23 Rümelinstrasse, Room 603a, Tübingen, Germany.
| | - Predrag Radović
- Department of Archaeology, Faculty of Philosophy, University of Belgrade, 18-20 Čika Ljubina Belgrade, 11000, Serbia; National Museum Kraljevo, 2 Trg Svetog Save, Kraljevo, 36000, Serbia
| | - Joshua Lindal
- Department of Anthropology, University of Manitoba, 432 Fletcher Argue Building, 15 Chancellor Circle, Winnipeg, MB, R3T 2N2, Canada
| | - Dušan Mihailović
- Department of Archaeology, Faculty of Philosophy, University of Belgrade, 18-20 Čika Ljubina Belgrade, 11000, Serbia
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
García‐Campos C, Modesto‐Mata M, Martinón‐Torres M, Martín‐Francés L, Martínez de Pinillos M, Arsuaga JL, Bermúdez de Castro JM. Similarities and differences in the dental tissue proportions of the deciduous and permanent canines of Early and Middle Pleistocene human populations. J Anat 2022; 240:339-356. [PMID: 34611899 PMCID: PMC8742968 DOI: 10.1111/joa.13558] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2021] [Revised: 09/14/2021] [Accepted: 09/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
The two- and three-dimensional assessment of dental tissues has become routine in human taxonomic studies throughout the years. Nonetheless, most of our knowledge of the variability of the enamel and dentine dimensions of the human evolutionary lineage comes from the study of permanent dentition, and particularly from molars. This leads to a biased view of the variability of these features. Due to their early formation and rapid development, the deciduous teeth allow more simplified inferences regarding the processes involved in the dental tissue development of each group. Therefore, their study could be very valuable in dental palaeohistology. In this research, we have explored the dental tissue proportions of the deciduous canines belonging to some human samples of the Early and Middle Pleistocene. The purpose of this was to discuss the meaning of the similarities and differences observed in their histological pattern, as well as to evaluate the degree of covariance with that observed in the permanent dentition of these populations. Our results show that, although there are some similarities in the dental tissue proportions between the deciduous and permanent canines of the study samples, the two dental classes do not provide a similar or comparable pictures of the dental tissue pattern present in the dentition of fossil hominins. Future works on the dental tissue patterns of the anterior and posterior dentition, including deciduous teeth, of fossil samples, may help to shed light on this hypothesis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - María Martinón‐Torres
- Centro Nacional de Investigación sobre la Evolución HumanaBurgosSpain
- Anthropology DepartmentUniversity College LondonLondonUK
| | - Laura Martín‐Francés
- Centro Nacional de Investigación sobre la Evolución HumanaBurgosSpain
- Anthropology DepartmentUniversity College LondonLondonUK
- Institut Català de Paleoecologia Humana i Evolució Social (IPHES)TarragonaSpain
| | | | - Juan Luis Arsuaga
- Centro MixtoUCM‐ISCIII de Evolución y Comportamiento HumanosMadridSpain
| | - José María Bermúdez de Castro
- Centro Nacional de Investigación sobre la Evolución HumanaBurgosSpain
- Anthropology DepartmentUniversity College LondonLondonUK
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Martínez de Pinillos M, Pantoja-Pérez A, Fernández-Colón P, Martín-Francés L, García-Campos C, Modesto-Mata M, Moreno-Torres C, Bermúdez de Castro JM, Martinón-Torres M. The Ratón Pérez collection: Modern deciduous human teeth at the Centro Nacional de Investigación sobre la Evolución Humana (Burgos, Spain). AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PHYSICAL ANTHROPOLOGY 2021; 176:528-535. [PMID: 34382686 DOI: 10.1002/ajpa.24371] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2021] [Revised: 06/25/2021] [Accepted: 07/07/2021] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The aim of this report is to present the large deciduous tooth collection of identified children that is housed at the National Research Center on Human Evolution (CENIEH) in Burgos, Spain. METHODS Yearly, members of the Dental Anthropology Group of the CENIEH are in charge of collecting the teeth and registering all the relevant information from the donors at the time of collection. In compliance with Spanish Law 14/2007 of July 3, 2007, on Biomedical Research (BOE-A-2007-12945), all individuals are guaranteed anonymity and confidentiality. When the donor hands in the tooth, they fill out a Donor Information Form and sign the Informed Consent Form. At the same time, another person completes the data label for the transparent polyethylene zip lock bag where the tooth is temporarily stored. All teeth are then transferred to the CENIEH Restoration lab, where the specialists apply the same protocol as for the fossil remains. RESULTS Although the sample is still growing, from the first collection campaign in 2014 to date it comprises 2977 teeth of children whose ages of tooth loss are between 2 and 15 years. Each tooth is associated with basic information of the individuals and their parents and grandparents (sex, date, and place of birth, ancestry, country of residence), as well as important data about early life history (pregnancy duration, breastfeeding, bottle-feeding) and other relevant information provided by the donors (such as if they are twins, dental loss, or dental extraction). CONCLUSIONS Due to the scarcity of deciduous dental samples available, the Ratón Pérez collection represents a highly valuable sample for a wide range of disciplines such as forensic, dental, and anthropological fields among others.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Ana Pantoja-Pérez
- CENIEH (National Research Center on Human Evolution), Paseo de la Sierra de Atapuerca 3, Burgos, Spain.,Centro Mixto UCM-ISCIII de Evolución y Comportamiento Humanos, Avenida Monforte de Lemos, Madrid, Spain
| | - Pilar Fernández-Colón
- CENIEH (National Research Center on Human Evolution), Paseo de la Sierra de Atapuerca 3, Burgos, Spain
| | - Laura Martín-Francés
- CENIEH (National Research Center on Human Evolution), Paseo de la Sierra de Atapuerca 3, Burgos, Spain.,Anthropology Department, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Cecilia García-Campos
- CENIEH (National Research Center on Human Evolution), Paseo de la Sierra de Atapuerca 3, Burgos, Spain
| | - Mario Modesto-Mata
- Equipo Primeros Pobladores de Extremadura, Casa de la Cultura Rodríguez Moñino, Cáceres, Spain
| | - Chitina Moreno-Torres
- CENIEH (National Research Center on Human Evolution), Paseo de la Sierra de Atapuerca 3, Burgos, Spain
| | - José María Bermúdez de Castro
- CENIEH (National Research Center on Human Evolution), Paseo de la Sierra de Atapuerca 3, Burgos, Spain.,Anthropology Department, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - María Martinón-Torres
- CENIEH (National Research Center on Human Evolution), Paseo de la Sierra de Atapuerca 3, Burgos, Spain.,Anthropology Department, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Detection of Dental Caries' and Dermatoglyphics' Association with Relative Enamel Thickness Using CBCT Images in Saudi Subpopulation: A Novel Approach. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2021; 2021:5550916. [PMID: 34350291 PMCID: PMC8328721 DOI: 10.1155/2021/5550916] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2021] [Revised: 04/13/2021] [Accepted: 07/05/2021] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
Background Dental caries is the localized destruction of dental hard tissues (enamel and dentine). Decayed, Missing, and Filled Teeth (DMFT) index is the most commonly used dental caries index. Thickness of the outermost part of the tooth called the enamel is determined by the rate of deposition of enamel proteins. Relative enamel thickness (RET) gives a measure of enamel thickness with respect to dentine. Dental caries is influenced by a genetically determined factor called dermatoglyphics (DG). As the genes responsible for RET and DG lie on the same chromosome and develop during the same time of intrauterine life, it is biologically plausible to correlate RET and DG. Aims This study consists of two primary aims: (1) to assess RET using cone beam computed tomography images and correlate it with caries and (2) to correlate RET with DG. Materials and Methods 148 dental subjects were assessed for DMFT caries score and were categorized as Group 1 with DMFT = 0 and Group 2 with DMFT ≥ 1. Following this, their DG pattern was recorded digitally. The CBCT images of these subjects were assessed for RET, and the data were analyzed statistically. Results Mean RET in our sample population is 18.45 (SD 3.79) while mean DMFT is 5.34 (SD 5.13). Mean RET in Group 1 subjects was 19.82 (SD 4.05) while that in the Group 2 was 17.68 (SD 3.43). RET and DMFT showed a statistically significant negative correlation (p = 0.007). The “Single Loop” DG characteristic showed a statistically significant difference between males and females (p = 0.031). The “Simple Arch” type of DG was positively correlated with RET. Conclusion This is the first in vivo study to assess RET using CBCT images and correlate with DMFT and DG. RET is inversely related to DMFT while directly proportional to the “Simple arch” DG pattern. Males and females differed in their “Single Loop” DG characteristic.
Collapse
|
9
|
Blinkhorn J, Zanolli C, Compton T, Groucutt HS, Scerri EML, Crété L, Stringer C, Petraglia MD, Blockley S. Nubian Levallois technology associated with southernmost Neanderthals. Sci Rep 2021; 11:2869. [PMID: 33589653 PMCID: PMC7884387 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-82257-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2020] [Accepted: 01/18/2021] [Indexed: 01/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Neanderthals occurred widely across north Eurasian landscapes, but between ~ 70 and 50 thousand years ago (ka) they expanded southwards into the Levant, which had previously been inhabited by Homo sapiens. Palaeoanthropological research in the first half of the twentieth century demonstrated alternate occupations of the Levant by Neanderthal and Homo sapiens populations, yet key early findings have largely been overlooked in later studies. Here, we present the results of new examinations of both the fossil and archaeological collections from Shukbah Cave, located in the Palestinian West Bank, presenting new quantitative analyses of a hominin lower first molar and associated stone tool assemblage. The hominin tooth shows clear Neanderthal affinities, making it the southernmost known fossil specimen of this population/species. The associated Middle Palaeolithic stone tool assemblage is dominated by Levallois reduction methods, including the presence of Nubian Levallois points and cores. This is the first direct association between Neanderthals and Nubian Levallois technology, demonstrating that this stone tool technology should not be considered an exclusive marker of Homo sapiens.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- James Blinkhorn
- grid.469873.70000 0004 4914 1197Pan-African Evolution Research Group, Max Planck Institute for the Science of Human History, Kahlaische Strasse 10, 07745 Jena, Germany ,grid.4970.a0000 0001 2188 881XCentre for Quaternary Research, Department of Geography, Royal Holloway University of London, Egham Hill, Egham, Surrey UK
| | - Clément Zanolli
- grid.503132.60000 0004 0383 1969Univ. Bordeaux, CNRS, MCC, PACEA, UMR 5199, 33600 Pessac, France
| | - Tim Compton
- grid.35937.3b0000 0001 2270 9879Centre for Human Evolution Research, Department of Earth Sciences, Natural History Museum, Cromwell Road, London, SW7 5BD UK
| | - Huw S. Groucutt
- grid.4372.20000 0001 2105 1091Extreme Events Research Group, Max Planck Institutes for Chemical Ecology, The Science of Human History, and Biogeochemistry, Hans-Knöll-Strasse 8, 07745 Jena, Germany ,grid.469873.70000 0004 4914 1197Department of Archaeology, Max Planck Institute for the Science of Human History, Kahlaische Strasse 10, 07745 Jena, Germany ,grid.6190.e0000 0000 8580 3777Institute of Prehistoric Archaeology, University of Cologne, 50931 Cologne, Germany
| | - Eleanor M. L. Scerri
- grid.469873.70000 0004 4914 1197Pan-African Evolution Research Group, Max Planck Institute for the Science of Human History, Kahlaische Strasse 10, 07745 Jena, Germany ,grid.4462.40000 0001 2176 9482Department of Classics and Archaeology, University of Malta, Msida, 2080 MSD Malta ,grid.6190.e0000 0000 8580 3777Institute of Prehistoric Archaeology, University of Cologne, 50931 Cologne, Germany
| | - Lucile Crété
- grid.35937.3b0000 0001 2270 9879Centre for Human Evolution Research, Department of Earth Sciences, Natural History Museum, Cromwell Road, London, SW7 5BD UK
| | - Chris Stringer
- grid.35937.3b0000 0001 2270 9879Centre for Human Evolution Research, Department of Earth Sciences, Natural History Museum, Cromwell Road, London, SW7 5BD UK
| | - Michael D. Petraglia
- grid.469873.70000 0004 4914 1197Department of Archaeology, Max Planck Institute for the Science of Human History, Kahlaische Strasse 10, 07745 Jena, Germany ,grid.1214.60000 0000 8716 3312Human Origins Program, Smithsonian Institution, Washington, DC 20560 USA ,grid.1003.20000 0000 9320 7537School of Social Science, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072 Australia
| | - Simon Blockley
- grid.4970.a0000 0001 2188 881XCentre for Quaternary Research, Department of Geography, Royal Holloway University of London, Egham Hill, Egham, Surrey UK
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Yi Z, Liao W, Zanolli C, Wang W. A robust alternative to assessing three-dimensional relative enamel thickness for the use in taxonomic assessment. AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PHYSICAL ANTHROPOLOGY 2020; 174:555-567. [PMID: 33247444 DOI: 10.1002/ajpa.24187] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2020] [Revised: 10/18/2020] [Accepted: 11/04/2020] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Three-dimensional relative enamel thickness (3DRET) is important for assessing hypotheses about taxonomy, phylogeny, and dietary reconstruction for primates. However, its weaknesses have not been thoroughly investigated. Here, we analyze its weaknesses and propose an index aiming at better taxonomic discrimination. MATERIALS AND METHODS The dimensionless 3D index, ratio of enamel-thickness to dentine-thickness (3DRED), which is defined as the cubic root of the ratio of 3D average enamel thickness (3DAET) to 3D average dentine thickness (3DADT), is proposed here. To compare 3DRET and 3DRED and their sensitivity to voxel size, a fossil orangutan molar was scanned 14 times with different resolutions ranging from 10 to 50 μm. Enamel thickness analysis was carried out for each resultant digital model. In addition, enamel thickness measurements of 179 mandibular permanent molars (eight genera) were analyzed, followed by investigating the relationship between 3DRET and 3DAET and between 3DRED and 3DAET. RESULTS Regarding sensitivity, 3DRED is more robust than 3DRET. In addition, 3DRET is correlated with 3DAET by linear curve with regression coefficients approximating or larger than 0.8 in most cases, while 3DRED shows less correlation with 3DAET. Furthermore, there are clear separations between different taxa in the bivariate plot of 3DRED against 3DAET, indicative of the taxonomic value of 3DRED. CONCLUSION Under certain conditions, 3DRED promises to be a robust and reliable alternative to 3DRET in taxonomic study.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zhixing Yi
- School of Earth Sciences, China University of Geosciences, Wuhan, China
| | - Wei Liao
- School of Earth Sciences, China University of Geosciences, Wuhan, China.,Anthropology Museum of Guangxi, Nanning, China
| | - Clément Zanolli
- Laboratoire PACEA, UMR 5199 CNRS, Université de Bordeaux, Pessac, France
| | - Wei Wang
- Anthropology Museum of Guangxi, Nanning, China.,Institute of Cultural Heritage, Shandong University, Qingdao, China
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Ortiz A, Schander-Triplett K, Bailey SE, Skinner MM, Hublin JJ, Schwartz GT. Enamel thickness variation in the deciduous dentition of extant large-bodied hominoids. AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PHYSICAL ANTHROPOLOGY 2020; 173:500-513. [PMID: 32767577 DOI: 10.1002/ajpa.24106] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2019] [Revised: 05/16/2020] [Accepted: 06/11/2020] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Enamel thickness features prominently in hominoid evolutionary studies. To date, however, studies of enamel thickness in humans, great apes, and their fossil relatives have focused on the permanent molar row. Comparatively little research effort has been devoted to tissue proportions within deciduous teeth. Here we attempt to fill this gap by documenting enamel thickness variation in the deciduous dentition of extant large-bodied hominoids. MATERIALS AND METHODS We used microcomputed tomography to image dental tissues in 80 maxillary and 78 mandibular deciduous premolars of Homo sapiens, Pan troglodytes, Gorilla, and Pongo. Two-dimensional virtual sections were created from the image volumes to quantify average (AET) and relative (RET) enamel thickness, as well as its distribution across the crown. RESULTS Our results reveal no significant differences in enamel thickness among the great apes. Unlike the pattern present in permanent molars, Pongo does not stand out as having relatively thicker-enameled deciduous premolars than P. troglodytes and Gorilla. Humans, on the other hand, possess significantly thicker deciduous premolar enamel in comparison to great apes. Following expectations from masticatory biomechanics, we also find that the "functional" side (protocone, protoconid) of deciduous premolars generally possesses thicker enamel than the "nonfunctional" side. DISCUSSION Our study lends empirical support to anecdotal observations that patterns of AET and RET observed for permanent molars of large-bodied apes do not apply to deciduous premolars. By documenting enamel thickness variation in hominoid deciduous teeth, this study provides the comparative context to interpret rates and patterns of wear of deciduous teeth and their utility in life history reconstructions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alejandra Ortiz
- Institute of Human Origins, School of Human Evolution and Social Change, Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona, USA.,Center for the Study of Human Origins, Department of Anthropology, New York University, New York, New York, USA
| | - Katherine Schander-Triplett
- Barrett, The Honors College, College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona, USA
| | - Shara E Bailey
- Center for the Study of Human Origins, Department of Anthropology, New York University, New York, New York, USA.,Department of Human Evolution, Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Matthew M Skinner
- Department of Human Evolution, Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology, Leipzig, Germany.,School of Anthropology and Conservation, University of Kent, Canterbury, UK
| | - Jean-Jacques Hublin
- Department of Human Evolution, Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology, Leipzig, Germany.,Collège de France, Paris, France
| | - Gary T Schwartz
- Institute of Human Origins, School of Human Evolution and Social Change, Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona, USA
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Martínez de Pinillos M, Martín-Francés L, de Castro JMB, García-Campos C, Modesto-Mata M, Martinón-Torres M, Vialet A. Inner morphological and metric characterization of the molar remains from the Montmaurin-La Niche mandible: The Neanderthal signal. J Hum Evol 2020; 145:102739. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jhevol.2019.102739] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2019] [Revised: 11/06/2019] [Accepted: 11/20/2019] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
|
13
|
Martín-Francés L, Martinón-Torres M, Martínez de Pinillos M, García-Campos C, Zanolli C, Bayle P, Modesto-Mata M, Arsuaga JL, Bermúdez de Castro JM. Crown tissue proportions and enamel thickness distribution in the Middle Pleistocene hominin molars from Sima de los Huesos (SH) population (Atapuerca, Spain). PLoS One 2020; 15:e0233281. [PMID: 32511250 PMCID: PMC7279586 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0233281] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2019] [Accepted: 05/01/2020] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Dental enamel thickness, topography, growth and development vary among hominins. In Homo, the thickness of dental enamel in most Pleistocene hominins display variations from thick to hyper-thick, while Neanderthals exhibit proportionally thinner enamel. The origin of the thin trait remains unclear. In this context, the Middle Pleistocene human dental assemblage from Atapuerca-Sima de los Huesos (SH) provides a unique opportunity to trace the evolution of enamel thickness in European hominins. In this study, we aim to test the hypothesis if the SH molar sample approximates the Neanderthal condition for enamel thickness and/or distribution. This study includes 626 molars, both original and comparative data. We analysed the molar inner structural organization of the original collections (n = 124), belonging to SH(n = 72) and modern humans from Spanish origin (n = 52). We compared the SH estimates to those of extinct and extant populations of the genus Homo from African, Asian and European origin (estimates extracted from literature n = 502). The comparative sample included maxillary and mandibular molars belonging to H. erectus, East and North African Homo, European Middle Pleistocene Homo, Neanderthals, and fossil and extant H. sapiens. We used high-resolution images to investigate the endostructural configuration of SH molars (tissue proportions, enamel thickness and distribution). The SH molars exhibit on average thick absolute and relative enamel in 2D and 3D estimates, both in the complete crown and the lateral enamel. This primitive condition is shared with the majority of extinct and extant hominin sample, except for Neanderthals and some isolated specimens. On the contrary, the SH molar enamel distribution maps reveal a distribution pattern similar to the Neanderthal signal (with thicker enamel on the lingual cusps and more peripherally distributed), compared to H. antecessor and modern humans. Due to the phylogenetic position of the SH population, the thick condition in molars could represent the persistence of the plesiomorphic condition in this group. Still, more data is needed on other Early and Middle Pleistocene populations to fully understand the evolutionary meaning of this trait.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Laura Martín-Francés
- CNRS, MCC, PACEA, UMR 5199, Univ. Bordeaux, Bordeaux, France
- Centro Nacional de Investigación sobre la Evolución Humana, Burgos, Spain
- Anthropology Department, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - María Martinón-Torres
- Centro Nacional de Investigación sobre la Evolución Humana, Burgos, Spain
- Anthropology Department, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Marina Martínez de Pinillos
- Centro Nacional de Investigación sobre la Evolución Humana, Burgos, Spain
- Anthropology Department, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Cecilia García-Campos
- Centro Nacional de Investigación sobre la Evolución Humana, Burgos, Spain
- Anthropology Department, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Clément Zanolli
- CNRS, MCC, PACEA, UMR 5199, Univ. Bordeaux, Bordeaux, France
| | - Priscilla Bayle
- CNRS, MCC, PACEA, UMR 5199, Univ. Bordeaux, Bordeaux, France
| | - Mario Modesto-Mata
- Equipo Primeros Pobladores de Extremadura, Casa de la Cultura Rodríguez Moñino, Cáceres, Spain
| | - Juan Luis Arsuaga
- Centro Mixto Universidad Complutense de Madrid - Instituto de Salud Carlos III de Evolución y Comportamiento Humanos, Madrid, Spain
- Departamento de Paleontología, Facultad de Ciencias Geológicas, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - José María Bermúdez de Castro
- Centro Nacional de Investigación sobre la Evolución Humana, Burgos, Spain
- Anthropology Department, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Zanolli C, Schillinger B, Kullmer O, Schrenk F, Kelley J, Rössner GE, Macchiarelli R. When X-Rays Do Not Work. Characterizing the Internal Structure of Fossil Hominid Dentognathic Remains Using High-Resolution Neutron Microtomographic Imaging. Front Ecol Evol 2020. [DOI: 10.3389/fevo.2020.00042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
|
15
|
Radović P, Lindal J, Mihailović D, Roksandic M. The first Neanderthal specimen from Serbia: Maxillary first molar from the Late Pleistocene of Pešturina Cave. J Hum Evol 2019; 131:139-151. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jhevol.2019.03.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2018] [Revised: 03/20/2019] [Accepted: 03/21/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
|
16
|
Dental macrowear and cortical bone distribution of the Neanderthal mandible from Regourdou (Dordogne, Southwestern France). J Hum Evol 2019; 132:174-188. [PMID: 31203846 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhevol.2019.05.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2018] [Revised: 05/04/2019] [Accepted: 05/04/2019] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Tooth wear is an important feature for reconstructing diet, food processing and cultural habits of past human populations. In particular, occlusal wear facets can be extremely useful for detecting information about diet and non-masticatory behaviors. The aim of this study is to reconstruct the diet and cultural behavior of the Neanderthal specimen Regourdou 1 (Dordogne, Southern France) from the analysis of the macrowear pattern, using the occlusal fingerprint analysis method. In addition, we have also examined whether there is any association between the observed dental macrowear and mandibular bone distribution and root dentine thickness. The posterior dentition of Regourdou 1 is characterized by an asymmetric wear pattern, with the right side significantly more worn than the left. In contrast, the left lower P3 shows a more advanced wear than the right premolar, with unusual semicircular enamel wear facets. The results from occlusal fingerprint analysis of this unique pattern suggest tooth-tool uses for daily task activities. Moreover, the left buccal aspect of the mandibular cortical bone is thicker than its right counterpart, and the left P3 has a thicker radicular dentine layer than its antimere. These results show a certain degree of asymmetry in cortical bone topography and dentine tissue that could be associated with the observed dental macrowear pattern. The molar macrowear pattern also suggests that Regourdou 1 had a mixed diet typical of those populations living in temperate deciduous woodlands and Mediterranean habitats, including animal and plant foods. Although this study is limited to one Neanderthal individual, future analyses based on a larger sample may further assist us to better understand the existing relationship between mandibular architecture, occlusal wear and the masticatory apparatus in humans.
Collapse
|