Geometric morphometrics of the second molar teeth within the human population from the late medieval city of Iași, Romania

Abstract

AbstractAlthough variability and sexual dimorphism (SD) have been intensively studied as regards molar size, patterns of SD on molar shape are not an equally approached topic. Therefore, this study uses size and shape variables of the second permanent molar (M2) from two‐dimensional geometric morphometrics to assess intrasample variability and shape patterns in SD within a human group from the late medieval city of Iași in Romania. Our findings are partially consistent with the view that phenotypic variability in M2 teeth is correlated with their developmental stages. No intra‐group dental models were highlighted, except for those determined by SD. The upper M2 tooth is a clearer sexual dimorphic than the lower M2. How different regions of the tooth are associated and how patterns of M2 shape variation are defined in the two sexes are also topics addressed in this paper.