Nonmetric Traits Research Articles

Intergroup variability of the khakas based on non-metric cranial traits data

Introduction. The formation of the gene pool of modern Khakas people occurred through the interaction of various groups of ancient inhabitants of the Minusinsk Basin. This article is focused on the inter-group analysis of craniological series representing different Khakassian subethnic groups. Materials and Methods. The cranial series of the Kachins, Koibals, Sagais, and Beltirs was studied using the battery of 36 cranial non-metric characteristics. The obtained data was compared with data on other populations of Southern and Western Siberia: Shors, Tuvans, Telengits, Selkups, Khants, and Mansis. The analysis of the biological diversity of populations was carried out using Smith's mean measure of divergence (MMD) followed by multidimensional scaling and cluster analysis. Results. The Kachins are the most distant from the other Khakas subethnic groups, forming a cluster with the Telengits and Tuvans. The Koibals and Beltirs were positioned quite close to the Shors. The Sagais occupied a separate position in the Khakas cluster, presumably due to a greater proportion of Europoid admixture compared to other Khakas groups. The pooled Khakas sample shares similar cranial non-metric characteristics with Turkic-speaking ethnic groups of Southern Siberia: Shors, Telengits, and Tuvans. Discussion. The nature of phenetic differentiation of the Khakas sub-ethnic groups presumably reveals their complex population history. The position of the Kachins outside the Khakas cluster based on non-metric traits resulted from specificity of their phenofund, which is also supported by molecular genetic data. The similarity in the phenofund of the Khakas groups to those of the Tuvans and Telengits may result from gene flow between Khakas populations and the peoples of Southern Siberia or/and from their common episodes in their ethnogenesis. The similarity between pooled Khakassian sample and the Shors presumably suggests involvement of common genetic components in the gene pools of these peoples, which is consistent with molecular genetic data. Conclusion. The correspondence of the obtained results with genetic data suggests the possibility of using cranial non-metric traits to identify genetic relationships between ancient populations in the absence of direct genetic information.

Identification of the genetic determinants of shovel-shaped incisors and Carabelli’s cusp

Shovel-shaped incisors (SSI) and Carabelli’s cusp (CC) are noteworthy human dental non-metric traits which presence and degree of expression have been reported to cluster within distinct populations. Recent advances in developmental biology suggest that SSI and CC are likely under polygenic developmental control; therefore, genetic variation in multiple genes is likely to contribute to differential SSI and CC expression. The exact genetic mechanisms underlying variation in SSI and CC development, however, remain mostly unknown. This study aims to identify whether variation in the basal DNA sequences of six candidate genes, NKX2-3, SOSTDC1, BMP4, FGF3, FGF4, and WNT10A, has any impact on SSI and/or CC expression. Study methods involve collection of saliva samples and dental data from 36 participants. The Arizona State University Dental Anthropology System (ASUDAS) has been used to score SSI and CC expression. Next-generation sequencing (NGS) methods were utilized to sequence the entire gene region of the candidate genes. Spearman’s correlation test was used to score the relationship between the genotype and degree of trait expression of participants. Fifteen SNPs/INDELs belonging to SOSTDC1, FGF3, FGF4 and WNT10A were significantly associated with SSI and/or CC expression. No SNPs/INDELs were detected in the genes BMP4 and NKX2-3 that significantly contributes to observed phenotypes. FGF3, FGF4, SOSTDC1 and WNT10A were possibly involved in the formation of shoveling and Carabelli’s cusp. However, because of the small sample size, more studies are needed to confirm their role and rule out any potential role of NKX2-3 and BMP4 in the production of SSI and CC.

Intracemetery relationships: Non-metric trait combination analysis of Maspalomas of Gran Canaria (Canary Islands, Spain).

Maspalomas is one of the most important archaeological sites in Gran Canaria, Canary Islands. The necropolis is one of the few funerary sites on the island where several the skeletons were found in anatomical position. The burials correspond to graves and cists dated between the 12th and 15th century CE. These graves and cists are clustered together in different formations across the necropolis, giving rise to a complex composition that denotes the existence of possible interpersonal relationships of the people buried there. A total of 135 calcanei and 118 tali were analysed to find non-metric traits and to test whether the clustered burials share a non-metric trait relationship. Trait combinations were formed using talus and calcaneus non-metric traits separately. The results of this study suggest that the individuals of Maspalomas showed a very high prevalence of lateral and medial talar facets, attributed to prolonged squatting position and/or walking on uneven ground. The calcaneal facet pattern (that may be aetiologically genetic) is more closely related to that observed among North-Africans or Indians than to Western Europeans. Calcaneal facet type Ib, and other genetically-determined traits, such as the extra facet extension of Posterior Facet, or the medial root of the inferior extensor retinaculum trait, either as single traits or as the combination of both traits, were significantly associated with individuals buried in different geographical areas of the necropolis defined by differences in burial structures, a finding that may suggest that genetically-linked individuals were buried in a separate area of the necropolis. The use of trait combination analysis in this study shows that the method can be applied to identify relationships among genetically or professionally related individuals that were subjected to a different burial procedure by their contemporaries.

Ancient Egyptian scribes and specific skeletal occupational risk markers (Abusir, Old Kingdom)

Men with writing proficiency enjoyed a privileged position in ancient Egyptian society in the third millennium BC. Research focusing on these officials of elevated social status (“scribes”) usually concentrates on their titles, scribal statues, iconography, etc., but the individuals themselves, and their skeletal remains, have been neglected. The aim of this study is to reveal whether repetitive tasks and maintained postures related to scribal activity can manifest in skeletal changes and identify possible occupational risk factors. A total of 1767 items including entheseal changes, non-metric traits, and degenerative changes were recorded from the human remains of 69 adult males of well-defined social status categories from the necropolis at Abusir (2700–2180 BC). Statistically significant differences between the scribes and the reference group attested a higher incidence of changes in scribes and manifested themselves especially in the occurrence of osteoarthritis of the joints. Our research reveals that remaining in a cross-legged sitting or kneeling position for extended periods, and the repetitive tasks related to writing and the adjusting of the rush pens during scribal activity, caused the extreme overloading of the jaw, neck and shoulder regions.

Variations in the anatomical structure of the pterion among populations from various global regions

Anatomical variations in the structure of the pterion were examined in various craniological series represent-ing modern populations from Australia, Melanesia, Southeast Asia, North Asia, America, and Europe, encom-passing 2035 adult crania. The comparison of populations based on the frequency of nonmetric traits revealed significant diversity across regions. Notably, the sphenoparietal connection is most frequent in European and South Asian populations, as well as among Native Americans, while it is least common among African groups. The frontotemporal connection predominates among Australian Aborigines and Melanesians and is also common in African populations but is almost non-existent in Europeans. The X-shaped pterion is most frequently observed in the Eskimos of Chukotka and the Chukchi, as well as among Somali and Tanzanian populations. A high fre-quency of epipteric bones is particularly characteristic of Southern Indians, Burmese, Australians, and Melane-sians. Pairwise comparisons of populations were conducted using Smith's Mean Measure of Divergence (MMD). To visualize the data from individual regions, the method of Multidimensional Scaling (MDS) was applied to the matrices of biological distances. The MDS plot for the North Asian region revealed distinct clusters of the Arctic, Baikal, Cen-tral Asian, and Ural groups, aligning with G.F. Debetz's classification based on morphological similarities among populations. In the MDS plot for the South and Southeast Asian, American, and African populations, Australians and Melanesians formed a separate cluster; Pueblo Indians were closely aligned with Peruvians, South Indians with Burmese, Malays merged with Papuans, and African populations were positioned relatively close to each other. In Europe, Caucasian groups formed a distinct cluster. On the combined graph, the populations were clearly divided by regions. The results obtained indicate that the spatial arrangement of populations on the graphs approximately mir-rors their genetic connections and shared origins. This suggests that nonmetric variations in the pterion area are more likely determined by genetic rather than ecological factors and can be considered taxonomically valuable traits at the regional level. Investigating the structure of the pterion in an evolutionary context may shed light on broader questions concerning the evolution of the skull and the mechanisms influencing its formation.

Craniological and Dental Non-Metric Data on the Origin of the Early Iron Age Gorokhovo Culture Population

The article is devoted to the research of craniological and dental non-metric data from Sargat and Gorokhovo burials. Gorokhovo Culture groups were located in the Upper and Middle Iset and Middle Tobol River regions in 6th–3rd cc BC. The research examines the anthropological uniqueness of the population of the Gorokhovo Culture and the racial and genetic processes that occurred in the forest-steppe territory in the south of Western Siberia in the Early Iron Age. It was established that the sample of the Gorokhovo Culture can be classified as Caucasian populations with a small Mongoloid admixture. Two Caucasian combinations of characteristics have been identified. The morphotype with a narrower and higher face profiled horizontally, a higher nose bridge and a larger angle of protrusion of the nasal bones in retrospect may be associated with groups of Andronovo-Alakul people; later this complex was represented as part of the Sauromatian-Sarmatian population of the European part of Russia. Found in the West Siberian Gorokhovo population it may be due to migration influence. Another Caucasoid component with a lower and wider slightly flattened facial skeleton, a less protruding nose and bridge of the nose is in many ways similar to the morphotype of the AndronovoFedorovo, and the later Sargat population. In this case we can talk about the autochthony origin. Dental nonmetric data organically complements the current results. Dental non-metric traits results demonstrates that the basis of the anthropological composition of the Gorokhovo population was the Andronovo component of South Ural origin. The population of the Sargat culture and the Gorokhovo groups who lived at the same time in the Tobol River Region in the 5th–3rd cc BC differ significantly. However, close population ties between the Sargat and Gorokhovo and their contacts with the Sarmatians contributed to the convergence of their anthropological structure.

From hunter-gatherers to food producers: New dental insights into the Nile Valley population history (Late Paleolithic-Neolithic).

This study presents biological affinities between the last hunter-fisher-gatherers and first food-producing societies from the Nile Valley. We investigate odontometric and dental tissue proportion changes between these populations from the Middle Nile Valley and acknowledge the biological processes behind them. Dental remains of 329 individuals from Nubia and Central Sudan that date from the Late Pleistocene to the mid-Holocene are studied. Using 3D imaging techniques, we investigated outer and inner metric aspects of upper central incisors, and first and second upper molars. Late Paleolithic and Mesolithic foragers display homogeneous crown dimensions, dental tissue proportions, and enamel thickness distribution. This contrasts with Neolithic trends for significant differences from earlier samples on inner and outer aspects. Finally, within the Neolithic sample differences are found between Nubian and Central Sudanese sites. Substantial dental variation appears to have occurred around 6000 bce in the Nile Valley, coinciding with the emergence of food-producing societies in the region. Archeological and biological records suggest little differences in dietary habits and dental health during this transition. Furthermore, the substantial variations identified here would have happened in an extremely short time, a few centuries at most. This does not support in situ diet-related adaptation. Rather, we suggest these data are consistent with some level of population discontinuity between the Mesolithic and Neolithic samples considered here. Complex settlement processes could also explain the differences between Nubia and Central Sudan, and with previous results based on nonmetric traits.

An atlas of anatomical variants of the human calcaneus.

The usefulness of anatomical variation is determined by the knowledge of why nonmetric traits appear. Clear descriptions of the traits are a necessary task, due to the risk of confusing anatomical variants and evidence of trauma. Numerous interpretations of the appearance of calcaneal anatomical variants add to the need of an anatomical atlas of calcaneal nonmetric traits. We have analyzed a total of 886 calcanei; 559 belong to different modern and pre-Hispanic samples, and 327 bones were studied from a reference collection from Athens. In this study, we present the anatomical variations that exist on the calcaneus bone, some of which have rarely been mentioned in previous research. The standardization of methods proposed may be useful to experts working in human anatomy, physical anthropology as well as comparative morphology, due to usefulness of this information during surgery, and bioanthropology to observe and study the lifestyle of past populations.

What we see is what we touch? Sex estimation on the skull in virtual anthropology

BackgroundThe increased use of virtual bone images in forensic anthropology requires a comprehensive study on the observational errors between dry bones and CT reconstructions. Here, we focus on the consistency of nonmetric sex estimation traits on the human skull.Materials and methodsWe scored nine nonmetric traits on dry crania and mandibles (n = 223) of archaeological origin and their CT reconstructions. Additionally, we 3D surface scanned a subsample (n = 50) and repeated our observations. Due to the intricate anatomy of the mental eminence, we split it into two separate traits: the bilateral mental tubercles and the midsagittal mental protuberance. We provide illustrations and descriptions for both these traits.ResultsWe obtained supreme consistency values between the CT and 3D surface modalities. The most consistent cranial traits were the glabella and the supraorbital margin, followed by the nuchal crest, zygomatic extension, mental tubercles, mental protuberance, mental eminence, mastoid process and ramus flexure, in descending order. The mental tubercles show higher consistency scores than the mental eminence and the mental protuberance.DiscussionThe increased interchangeability of the virtual modalities with each other as compared to the dry bone modality could be due to the lack of tactility on both the CT and surface scans. Moreover, tactility appears less essential with experience than a precise trait description. Future studies could revolve around the most consistent cranial traits, combining them with pelvic traits from a previous study, to test for accuracy.

Forensic anthropological research in Indonesia: developing a sex estimation standard for the contemporary population

ABSTRACT Currently, there are a lack of forensic anthropological sex estimation standards for an Indonesian population. Morphoscopic assessments were considered for its ease of use and application to fragmentary remains. For the skull, the cranial nonmetric traits in Walker (2008) are the most frequently used standard. Digital imaging modalities are considered an appropriate proxy to physical skeletal material. This present study assesses the accuracy of Walker (2008) and Asian-derived models in Tallman (2019) on a contemporary Indonesian population. Five univariate and nine multivariate predictive models were derived. This study provides forensic practitioners with an appropriate skeletal sex estimation standard for use in Indonesia, strengthening their capabilities.

Validation and recalibration of sex estimation methods using pubic nonmetric traits for the Chilean population

Chile had a violent military coup (1973–1990) that resulted in 3,000 victims declared detained, missing or killed; many are still missing and unidentified. Currently, the Human Rights Unit of the Forensic Medical Service in Chile applies globally recognised forensic anthropological approaches, but many of these methods have not been validated in a Chilean sample. As current research has demonstrated population-specificity with extant methods, the present study aims to validate sex estimation methods in a Chilean population and thereafter establish population-specific equations. A sample of 265 os coxae of known age and sex of adult Chileans from the Santiago Subactual Osteology Collection were analysed. Visual assessment and scoring of the pelvic traits were performed in accordance with the Phenice (1969) and Klales et al. (2012) methods. The accuracy of Phenice (1969) in the Chilean sample was 96.98%, with a sex bias of 7.68%. Klales et al. (2012) achieved 87.17% accuracy with a sex bias of -15.39%. Although both methods showed acceptable classification accuracy, the associated sex bias values are unacceptable in forensic practice. Therefore, six univariate and eight multivariate predictive models were formulated for the Chilean population. The most accurate univariate model was the ventral arc at 96.6%, with a sex bias of 5.2%. Classification accuracy using all traits was 97.0%, with a sex bias of 7.7%. This study provides Chilean practitioners a population-specific morphoscopic standard with associated classification probabilities acceptable to accomplish legal admissibility requirements in human rights and criminal cases specific to the second half of the 20th century.

METHODS OF KINSHIP ANALYSIS IN FOSSIL POPULATIONS

Introduction. Identifying kinship relationships from skeletal remains is among the various objectives of bioarchaeological studies. This article focuses on reviewing the methods used to analyze biological kinship in human fossil populations through non-metric traits. Methods. Since direct molecular-genetic analysis of kinship is often highly challenging due to the poor preservation of ancient DNA, special attention in such studies is given to nonmetric phenotypic traits. Results. Research with osteological samples that have been documented provides compelling evidence that the level of morphological similarity between individuals is directly related to their degree of biological kinship. In cases where the pedigrees of osteological materials are fully or partially known, phenotypic data can be effectively used in lieu of genetic information. Discussion. The methodology developed for kinship analysis depends on the internal spatial structure of the cemetery being studied. When analyzing small burial sites, the aim is to determine if the people buried there are close relatives. Various methods are used in these analyses, including different techniques for determining the likelihood of kinship, cluster analysis, and correlation coefficients. Identifying kinship is most promising in burial sites where archaeological or historical indicators of biological relationships are present. Kinship analysis in spatially structured cemeteries is aimed at identifying families or social groups. The analysis of uniformly distributed cemeteries focuses on identifying closely related individuals in large burials without clearly defined subgroups. This involves spatial correlation analysis, which tests for significant correlation between the matrix of spatial distances and the matrix of phenotypic distances; various counting methods to test for non-random clustering of traits; the nearest neighbor method; and a non-spatial block search procedure that simultaneously identifies presumed relatives and the traits that indicate the degree of their kinship. Conclusion. Many problems in establishing kinship can be overcome with the availability of skeletal material accompanied by verified genealogical data. Unfortunately, skeletal remains with preserved documentation are quite rare, limiting the opportunities to study the inheritance of non-metric traits and the morphological similarity of biologically related individuals.

Shape variation in modern human upper premolars.

Morphological variation in modern human dentition is still an open field of study. The understanding of dental shape and metrics is relevant for the advancement of human biology and evolution and is thus of interest in the fields of dental anthropology, as well as human anatomy and medicine. Of concern is also the variation of the inner aspects of the crown which can be investigated using the tools and methods of virtual anthropology. In this study, we explored inter- and intra-population morphometric variation of modern humans' upper third and fourth premolars (P3s and P4s, respectively) considering both the inner and outer aspects of the crown, and discrete traits. We worked by means of geometric morphometrics on 3D image data from a geographically balanced sample of human populations from five continents, to analyse the shape of the dentinal crown, and the crown outline in 78 P3s and 76 P4s from 85 individuals. For the study of dental traits, we referred to the Arizona State University Dental Anthropology System integrated with more recent classification systems. The 3D shape variation of upper premolar crowns varied between short and mesio-distally broad, and tall and mesio-distally narrow. The observed shape variation was independent from the geographical origin of the populations, and resulted in extensive overlap. We noted a high pairwise correlation (r1 = 0.83) between upper P3s and P4s. We did not find any significant geographic differences in the analysed non-metric traits. Our outcomes thus suggest that geographical provenance does not play a determinant role in the shaping of the dental crown, whose genesis is under strict genetic control.

An examination of Homo naledi early juveniles recovered from the Rising Star cave system, South Africa

Background Six Homo naledi early juveniles were recovered from U.W. 101 (Dinaledi Chamber), U.W. 102 (Lesedi Chamber), and U.W. 110 in the Rising Star cave system. Aim This paper develops the information for the H. naledi early juvenile life stage, as defined by a combination of deciduous and permanent dentition, and the eruption of the first permanent molar. Subjects and methods The growing number of young individuals recovered from the Rising Star cave system allows us to gain a better understanding of their variation, or lack thereof, and provides a basis to estimate broad ranges for age at death of the individuals. The individuals are identified and described through craniodental remains and spatial associations. Results and conclusion Our results show that the teeth are remarkably consistent across the localities in their metric and non-metric traits, and our analyses refine previous estimations on dental eruptions with the first permanent molar erupting first in the sequence among permanent teeth.

Insular evolution from an archaeological perspective: a case study of Orkney house mouse

Abstract Archaeological material adds a temporal dimension to evolutionary studies that is valuable for elucidating long-term population stability and evolutionary shifts for species closely associated with humans. Here, a two-dimensional geometric morphometrics approach on first upper molars was applied to modern and archaeological samples to assess the evolution of house mice in Orkney, an archipelago north of Scotland. Modern populations included localities in Orkney, north Scotland, and France. Two archaeological sites in Orkney represented the Norse period: Birsay Beachview (Mainland) and Tuquoy (Westray) (10th–14th/15th centuries AD). The archaeological specimens were larger than modern specimens from similar settings, suggesting processes leading to a recent decline in the size of Orkney house mice. Molar morphology and associated non-metric traits distinct to the Orkney lineage were already established in the Norse period, as indicated by morphological similarity of the Birsay samples to modern Orkney and north Scotland populations. Stability of human settlement is likely to influence morphological evolution in house mice. The Birsay site, located in Birsay village, which has been inhabited since Norse times, might represent the ancestral house mouse population in Orkney. Tuquoy, a settlement abandoned by the end of the medieval period, provided samples different from modern house mouse populations in Westray and neighbouring isles.

Morphometric variations and nonmetric anatomical traits or anomalies of the primary molar teeth, plus the molars' size thresholds for sex identification

IntroductionMorphological and morphometric features of the teeth are of interest to various clinical and academic dental and medical fields including prosthodontics, orthodontics, anatomy and anthropology, pathology, archeology, and forensic dentistry. These have been more or less researched in the case of the permanent dentition. However when it comes to the primary dentition, the literature is scarce and controversial. No study worldwide exists on the cutoff points (thresholds) for sex identification; no study exists on metric or nonmetric traits of deciduous teeth in Iranians. Hence, the aim of the study was to assess both the metric and nonmetric traits of primary molars, as well as their cut-off points for sex identification.MethodsIn this epidemiological cross-sectional study, pretreatment casts of 110 children (51 boys and 59 girls) aged 6 to 12 years were collected. Maxillary and mandibular first and second primary molars were evaluated regarding their metric traits (mesiodistal and buccolingual widths) and 9 nonmetric traits (Accessory cusp on the upper D, Accessory cusp on the lower D, Fifth cusp on the upper E, Carabelli’s cusp on the upper E, Protostylid on the lower E, Fifth cusp on the lower E, Sixth cusp on the lower E, Tuberculum intermedium [metaconulid] on the lower E, and Deflecting wrinkle on the lower E). ROC curves were used to identify cut-off points for sex determination as well as the usefulness of metric measurements for this purpose. Data were analyzed using independent-samples and paired-samples t-tests, McNemar, Fisher, and chi-square tests, plus Pearson and Spearman correlation coefficients (α = 0.05).ResultsAll the primary molars’ coronal dimensions (both mesiodistal and buccolingual) were extremely useful for sex identification (ROC curves, all P values ≤ 0.0000099). Especially, the mandibular primary molars (areas under ROC curves [AUCs] between 85.6 and 90.4%, P values ≤ 0.0000006) were more useful than the maxillary ones (AUCs between 80.4 and 83.1%, P values ≤ 0. 0000099). In the mandible, the first primary molar (maximum AUC = 90.4%) was better than the second molar (maximum AUC = 86.0%). The optimum thresholds for sex determination were reported. Sex dimorphism was significant in buccolingual and mesiodistal crown widths of all the primary molars (all P values ≤ 0.000132), but it was seen only in the case of 2 nonmetric traits: Deflecting wrinkle (P = 0.001) and Tuberculum intermedium (metaconulid, P = 0.029) on the lower Es, taking into account the unilateral and bilateral cases. The occurrence of nonmetric traits was symmetrical between the right and left sides (all P values ≥ 0.250). All mesiodistal and two buccolingual molar measurements were as well symmetrical (P > 0.1); however, two buccolingual measurements were asymmetrical: in the case of the maxillary E (P = 0.0002) and mandibular D (P = 0.019). There were three weak-to-moderate correlations between the nonmetric traits of the mandibular second molars (Spearman correlations between 22.7 and 37.5%, P values ≤ 0.045). Up to 6 concurrent nonmetric traits were observed in the sample, with 53.6% of the sample showing at least 2 concurrent nonmetric traits at the same time, without any sex dimorphism (P = 0.658).ConclusionSex dimorphism exists considerably in primary molars’ sizes, but it is not as prevalent in their nonmetric traits or abnormalities. Primary molars’ crown sizes are useful for sex identification; we calculated optimum cut-off points for this purpose, for the first time.

Technical Note: Individuals identified by radiographic comparison: A sample of demographics and the region of body used for identification in Clark County, Nevada, USA (2017–2020)

Radiographs regularly aid in identifications by comparing antemortem and postmortem images. The forensic community has widely accepted this method because radiographic images are low in cost, easily transferable, and generally believed to be uncomplicated to assess. However, there is a dearth of diverse, modern radiographic datasets as well as a deficiency in assessing population frequencies of nonmetric traits via radiographs. Further, radiographic comparisons, although typically required as a core competency of practicing forensic anthropologists, do not have standard training and education requirements. To understand the diversity and representation within an opportunistic dataset, we provide a case study of the demographics of decedents identified via radiographic comparison at the Clark County Office of the Coroner/Medical Examiner (CCOCME) in Las Vegas, NV, USA from 2017 to 2020. Additionally, we examined each region of the body used to make radiographic identifications. The sample was majority Caucasian and male, with a mean and median age at death of 64.9 years and 67.0 years, respectively. Our results indicated that this sample was not representative of the greater Clark County population. The most common body region used for comparisons was the chest, followed by the head and neck, pelvis, dentition, and the extremities. Thus, large generalizations made from these types of datasets must be implemented with caution due to the relative lack of diversity and representation. As well, current discussions regarding training and education of forensic anthropologists as they relate to radiographic comparisons are explored.

Nonmetric Traits in Permanent Teeth as Clues to Ethnicity in Vidarbha Subpopulation to Aid Forensic Profiling: Pilot Study

Abstract Introduction: Nonmetric dental traits have a crucial role in ethnic classification of populations that help in forensic racial identification. Many studies have demonstrated the differences in the expression and frequency of dental traits between various ethnic groups for ancestry determination in the context of forensic dental anthropology. The present study is an attempt to assess the frequency and variation in nonmetric traits for establishing ethnicity in the Vidarbha subpopulation. Aim: The aim of the study was to assess the frequency and variation of nonmetric traits in permanent teeth for establishing ethnicity in the Vidarbha subpopulation. Materials and Methods: Participants of the Vidarbha subpopulation were selected by random sampling method. Molars, premolars, and incisors were evaluated for frequency of nonmetric traits, and variations were graded according to Dentoanthropological System of State University of Arizona criteria. Descriptive statistics, Chi-square test, and Student’s t-test were used for analysis of data. Results: The most common occlusal morphology in mandibular first and second molar was 5 cusp and 4 cusp, respectively, with the “+” groove pattern. Cusp 3 and cusp 4 were observed frequently in the maxillary molars. One lingual cusp was most commonly seen in mandibular premolars show while incisors showed faint shoveling. Conclusion: Our study concludes that nonmetric traits were present and showed variation in permanent maxillary and mandibular teeth among the Vidarbha subpopulation. Cusp 5 and Cusp 4 in first and second mandibular molars, respectively, groove pattern “+” and grade 1 protostylid were the most frequent grades observed in permanent mandibular molars. One lingual cusp was most commonly seen in mandibular premolars and faint shoveling was a notable feature in incisors of this population.

Verification of biological relationships in the Dietrichstein princely family from Mikulov by cranial non-metric traits analysis (Moravia, 17th to 19th centuries)

This study details the verification of documented biological family relationships in the skeletal remains of 9 members of the Dietrichstein princely family from their tomb in Mikulov, Moravia, using skeletal morphology. Another goal was to determine the degree of morphological similarity to other examined family members of the unknown individual from the coffin of Walter Francis Xaver, 4th Prince of Dietrichstein. For these purposes, 93 cranial non-metric traits were evaluated, the degree of similarity of individuals was evaluated using the similarity coefficient. The results support the authenticity of the remains of individual family members and the documented biological family relationships. The variability of biologically related individuals is smaller than that of unrelated individuals. The unknown individual from the coffin of Prince Walter Francis Xaver is most similar to Rosa Barbara Ludovica, Countess of Dietrichstein, née Countess of Wallis, Baroness of Carrighmain (Oct. 8th, 1792 – Jun. 27th 1844). Given that her remains were also found unexpectedly in the tomb, in the coffin of Maximilian II, 1st Prince of Dietrichstein, the possibility that the two finds are related can be admitted.

Preliminary Anthropological and Forensic Study of an Individual from Grave No 11 of Excavation CXLIX of Bolgar Settlement

In this article the authors present preliminary data of the skeletal remains from the 11th burial of the CXLIX excavation in Bolgar fortified settlement. Unusual for medieval Bolgar burial rite attracted attention to this burial during the excavations in 2010. The authors provide the characteristics of the individual features of human remains according to the results of cranial- and osteoscopy, their description in accordance with the lifetime changes and postmotem preservation. In the course of research, it was found that the individual was male, age from 35 to 45 years old, the reconstructed body length was 158–163 cm in various methods. Paleopathological research and medical and forensic reconstruction revealed signs of ankylosing spondylitis and the fracture of the sub-language bone. Graphic and plastic reconstructions of the appearance by the M.M. Gerasimov’s method were performed, the non-metric traits of the skull of the studied individual were recorded.