Abstract
This chapter pathological variations as non-metric and non-pathological variations (discrete traits) are essential in reconstructing various biological dimensions of former human populations. Pathological changes observable in osteological materials result from an imbalance in the normal equilibrium of bone resorption and formation, or growth-related disorders. The chapter is intended to supplement texts on variations. It is designed to provide the reader with an introduction to the kinds of dental and osteological pathology encountered most commonly in work with prehistoric skeletal remains. All illustrated examples of osteological pathology are drawn from the Berkeley Primate Skeletal Collection, most of them from the archeological contexts. The chapter notes that in the five thousand people examined, over one-fifth showed anomalous development or the effects of pathological processes. Their data show that degenerative joint disease, periodontal disease, fracture, and osteomyelitis are the leading changes observed in this mostly prehistoric Californian collection. A study of dental pathology can be useful for investigating the health and diets of individuals and populations. Even though tooth wear that is excessive by today's standards has characterized humans and their ancestors for millions of years, it should be noted that tooth wear and artificial tooth modification have been included.
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