| Researchers have demonstrated that there is a strong form-function relationship between diet and dental morphology. This paper applies a relatively new method to the study of occlusal morphology, allowing measurement and comparison of variably worn teeth. This approach uses laser scanning to generate three-dimensional models of teeth and geographic information systems (GIS) software to measure functionally relevant aspects of occlusal morphology: slope, angularity, and relief. This study presents a morphological comparison of variably worn lower second molars (M2s) of prehistoric humans from different phases, cultures, and regions. Results indicate that mean occlusal slope and relief index values decrease through successive wear stages for molar teeth of these human groups. Angularity values remain relatively constant throughout the wear sequence. No significant differences in molar morphology exist between prehistoric humans of different phases, cultures, or regions. These results are then compared to dental topographic data for other hominoids, demonstrating that humans have the flattest cusps of all the apes. These results add to a growing body of information on how tooth shape changes with wear by documenting the wear sequence and occlusal morphology of humans. A general pattern of wear for human groups located in different regions and exploiting different subsistence strategies is documented. |
