Deer Teeth Research Articles

Settlement pattern and the spatial organization of subsistence and mortuary practices in the Mesolithic Ganges valley, north‐central India

Abstract This article evaluates a cross‐cultural archaeological model linking the rise of formal cemeteries among hunter‐gatherers to subsistence and settlement patterns, using the Mesolithic of the Ganges valley as a case study. Faunal data, including ageable deer teeth, and grave orientation in relation to solar variation suggest that the sites of Mahadaha and Damdama were logistically organized and residentially stable. The archaeological evidence thus supports the Saxe‐Goldstein formulation on the interrelationship between cemeteries and corporate group rights to crucial resources (aquatic resources in the Gangetic case). It is suggested that this economic appoach should be complemented by an understanding based on cultural beliefs of past societies.

L'abri sous roche de Pont d'Ambon à Bourdeilles (Dordogne) : l'industrie osseuse et la parure

The rock shelter of Pont d'Ambon has produced a relatively modest assemblage of bone tools. These are distributed between the Late Magdalenian level and the Azilian horizon which ends the sequence. The technological study of this assemblage has revealed two distinct culturally determined « chaînes opératoires « applied to the production of bone artefacts at the site. The Magdalenian method relies exclusively on the groove and splinter technique on reindeer antler. The Azilian is based on two different processes, the first of which uses bone fragments derived from culinary waste. The second utilizes the groove and splinter technique on red deer antler ; this produced a small number of blanks for the manufacture of harpoons. The bone industry as a whole is characterized by the manufacture of tools for hide-working : for example, awls are numerous, there are also a few polishers associated with some functionally undefined pieces. The industry is also notable for the production of flat azilian harpoons which are characterized by a double row of barbed points and a circular perforation ; within this definition there is some formal variation. Among the ornaments was a collection of perforated red deer teeth, and small assemblages of sea shells. The latter have a variety of origins but all derive from the Atlantic coastal region.

ESR dating of tooth enamel: comparison with U-series, FT and TL dating at the Peking Man site

Deer tooth samples from Zhoukoudian, the Peking Man Cave, were studied. Non-linear fitting is used to determine AD, from which ESR ages were calculated by both the disequilibria model (DU) and linear uptake model (LU). Comparison of ESR ages with those from U-series, FT and TL methods show that the enamel of deer teeth is a suitable material for ESR dating.

A scanning electron microscopic study on the distribution of peritubular dentine in cheek teeth of Cervidae and Suidae (Mammalia, Artiodactyla)

Distribution of peritubular dentine was studied in cheek teeth of fallow deer (Dama dama), roe deer (Capreolus capreolus) and wild boar (Sus scrofa). In the two cervid species, especially intense peritubular dentine formation was found in the outer regions of mid and cuspal coronal dentine. In these areas a marked asymmetry occurred, peritubular dentine being predominantly secreted onto the side of the dentinal tubule walls nearest to the dentinoenamel junction. Intensity and asymmetry of peritubular dentine formation decreased cervically. In root dentine, the walls of the dentinal tubules were covered with only a thin peritubular dentine layer of even thickness. Here, in contrast to peripheral coronal dentine, the volume of intertubular dentine far exceeded that of peritubular dentine. In porcine coronal dentine, PTD asymmetry, being of lesser extent than in cervids, was observed only in peripheral areas of cuspal and flank regions of the cheek teeth. Because peritubular is more highly mineralized than intertubular dentine, the relative volume of dentine made up from the two components has an important influence on dentinal wear resistance. The significance of variations in volume and distribution of peritubular dentine between different dentinal regions for achieving and maintaining a functional occlusal surface is shown for cervid cheek teeth. Our results suggest that dentinal structure (in addition to enamel structure) should be taken more into consideration when discussing occlusal surface morphology in herbi- and omnivores from a functional point of view.

Scanning Electron Microscopic Observations on the Development and Structure of Tooth Enamel in Cervidae (Mammalia: Ruminantia)

Enamel formation and structure were investigated in 102 developing or erupted teeth of roe, fallow and red deer. Special attention was given to the topography of the forming enamel surface, the form, arrangement and course of enamel rods, its relation to interprismatic enamel and the occurrence of Hunter-Schreger-bands in the enamel. Discussed are the significance of the enamel pattern for the identification of certain taxa and the adaptive value of Cervidean enamel structures.

Accuracy of Moose Age Determinations from Incisor Cementum Layers

Incisors from 68 known-age moose (Alces alces) were sectioned and the ages of the animals estimated from cementum layers. Mean age determined in this manner overestimated true age by 0.5 yr with errors ranging between minus 1 and plus 3 yr. Cross sections were preferred to longitudinal sections. The major error resulted from difficulties in distinguishing discrete cementum layers. Other sources of error are discussed and the annual sequence of cementum deposition is described. J. WILDL. MANAGE. 42(3):558-563 Age determination of ungulates from cementum layers in teeth has become an accepted technique during the past 2 decades. There are inherent errors with the technique, however, and when relating age to growth, reproduction, or population dynamics, the age estimate should be relatively accurate and the frequency and magnitude of errors known. The errors appear small for some species. Complete agreement of age estimates with known ages was found for 20 black-tailed deer (Odocoileus hemionus columbianus) (Low and Cowan 1963), 46 whitetailed deer (0. virginianus) (Lockard 1972), 16 mule deer (0. hemionus) (Erickson and Seliger 1969), and 18 elk (Cervis canadensis) (Keiss 1969). Nevertheless, Sauer (1973) reported that 16 percent of the age estimates from cementum layers of 69 known-age teeth of white-tailed deer were in error. Similarly, Ranson (1966) did not find total agreement between observable cementum layers and known age in white-tailed deer. Previously published reports on moose age determination using cementum layers (Sergeant and Pimlott 1959, Markgren 1969, Wolfe 1969) suggested a range of accuracy of +1 or 2 yr. None of these works were based on large numbers of known-age teeth. This report describes the accuracy and precision of age estimates from the cementum layers of incisors from 68 known-age moose, compares results from longitudinal and cross sections of cementum, and describes the annual sequence of cementum deposition. We are grateful to E. Kootuk and the members of the Alaska Department of Fish and Game who were responsible for securing and sectioning the known-age teeth and to W. Heimer and D. McKnight for valuable criticism of an early draft of the manuscript. This work was supported by Federal Aid in Wildlife Restoration Project W-17-9. MATERIALS AND METHODS Incisors (1,) were collected from 68 moose tagged as calves in the Matanuska and Tanana Valleys, Alaska and later recovered from hunter kills, live recaptures, train and auto collisions, and natural mortality. If both I, were available, then longitudinal and cross sections of the teeth were prepared. Longitudinal sections were prepared by grinding lateral surfaces of the tooth to produce a thin, medial, dorsal-ventral section of the root. Alternate sides were ground until the section became translucent and cemen558 J. Wildl. Manage. 42(3):1978 This content downloaded from 207.46.13.124 on Wed, 22 Jun 2016 05:47:15 UTC All use subject to http://about.jstor.org/terms ACCURACY OF CEMENTUM MOOSE AGES. Gasaway et al. 559 tum layers could be distinguished readily using a binocular microscope at 10 to 30x magnification. The dorsal cementum has the most distinctive layers and was the portion used for estimating age. A water-bath grinder with a fine abrasive wheel was preferred since it reduced odor, prevented burning of the tooth, and was self-cleaning. Tooth sections were stored in a solution of 70 percent ethanol, 29 percent water, and 1 percent glycerine. Serial cross sections of the 11 root were cut with a lapidary saw fitted with a fine tooth blade (modified from Gilling and Buonocore 1959). Oil was dripped over the tooth to prevent burning. Five 0.3 mm sections were prepared from the proximal half of the root and stored in the above solution. The time required for an experienced individual to cut cross sections is approximately the same as grinding longitudinal sections; however, the initial cost of equipment to cut cross sections is greater. Cementum layers were counted and age was interpreted generally as described by Sergeant and Pimlott (1959). In this study age was reported in whole years for convenience of analysis, although the actual age of each moose exceeded its reported age by the number of months it lived past its last birthday. Annual cementum deposition consists of translucent (light) and opaque (dark) layers when viewed with transmitted light (Fig. 1). Opaque layers are usually deposited during mid to late winter and appear to be mostly complete by April or 2 months prior to the animal's birthday. On a moose's birthday the number of opaque layers theoretically equals its age in years. An age estimate to the nearest month can be made when the month the animal died is known. Most births occur during late May in Alaska; therefore, if P~B~pna~Jla~ 3 + ~PF~.~ r~u~ :?~i~L,

The occurrence of vestigial teeth in badger (Meles meles), Roe deer (Capreolus capreolus) and fox (Vulpes vulpes) from the county of Argyll, Scotland

The occurrence of vestigial teeth in badger (<i>Meles meles</i>), Roe deer (<i>Capreolus capreolus</i>) and fox (<i>Vulpes vulpes</i>) from the county of Argyll, Scotland

Estimating Ages of Mule Deer: An Evaluation of Technique Accuracy

Ages estimated from (1) molar tooth ratios (Robinette et al. 1957), (2) visual evaluation of molariform tooth wear at a check station, and (3) regression of eye lens weight (Y) on age (X), were compared to assumed known ages obtained from counts of cementum annuli in the first permanent incisor of mule deer (Odocoileus hemionus). Ages of 62 of 100 mule deer about 26 months and older were not correct when estimated to the nearest year from the molar tooth ratios. Ages of 43 of 116 (37 percent) were not correct when estimated from visual evaluations of permanent molariform tooth wear at a check station and assigned to one of 5 age groups (2, 3+4, 5+6, 7+8, and 9+ years). A regression of eye lens weight (Y) on age (X) for 177 mule deer of both sexes was fitted with the equation loge Y = 0.3585710.94080 1/X with a correlation coefficient of -0.98. A deer whose lens weight exceeded about 0.9 g, corresponding to an estimated age of 16 months from birth, had a confidence interval greater than 12 months in width and could not be assigned to a single-year age-class with 95 percent confidence. None of the three methods examined was found satisfactory for accurate individual age estimation. Reliable interpretations of population dynamics of deer require that age structures be estimated with minimal error. Various techniques have been developed for age estimation of Odocoileus deer. These include: (1) tooth replacement and wear criteria (based on known-age deer) given in qualitative form (Severinghaus 1949, Ryel et al. 1961), and quantitative form (Severinghaus 1949, Ryel et al. 1961, Robinette et al. 1957, Brown 1961); (2) eye lens weight (Lord 1962, Lueth 1963, Longhurst 1964, Larsen 1964, Hoffman and Robinson 1966, Connolly et al. 1969); and (3) cementum annuli counts for Odocoileus and other cervids (Sergeant and Pimlott 1959, Mitchell 1963, Low and Cowan 1963, McEwan 1963, Gilbert 1966, Ransom 1966, 1A contribution from Colorado Federal Aid Project W-105-R, and based, in part on J. A. Erickson's M. S. Thesis, Colorado State University, Fort Collins. 2Present address: U. S. Forest Service, Intermountain Forest and Range Experiment Station, Boise, Idaho. Reimers and Nordby 1968, Erickson and Seliger 1969). Little has been published on the magnitudes of error involved in either qualitative or quantitative methods of estimating mule deer age from wear of permanent molariform teeth. Among qualitative estimates made to the nearest year, Brown's (1961: 22) data show a 60 percent error in a sample of 47 known-age deer (0. h. columbianus) 2.5-7.5 years of age, and Ryel et al. (1961:312) show a 43 percent error in a sample of 39 known-age deer (O. virginianus) 2.5-5.5 years of age. An indication of the error involved in quantitative estimates is found in Robinette et al. (1957) and Brown (1961) who used wearreflecting measurements of molariform teeth of known-age deer. Both works show considerable overlap in the 95-percent confidence intervals about the mean measurement ratios for successive year classes. Estimation of deer age from eye-lens weight has yielded conflicting results. Lueth (1963) judged the technique inac-

Variability in Aging Maine White-Tailed Deer by Tooth-Wear Characteristics

A sample of 682 incisor teeth collected from Maine deer (Odocoileus virginianus) during the 1968 hunting season was histologically prepared and the cemental annuli counted. The ages determined by this technique were compared to ages assigned under field conditions by ten biologists using the toothwear method. More deer were assigned to the younger age-classes ( 1/2 years) by tooth-wear characteristics than by annuli counts. The percent difference between deer assigned to each age-class by the two methods increased from 6.3 percent for yearlings to 100 percent for deer 61/2 years of age or older. Individual biologists placed an average of four deer of every ten examined into a different age-class than that determined by annuli counts. The validity of determining the age of white-tailed deer by tooth-wear (Severinghaus 1949) has been questioned. Differences in the wear characteristics of deer teeth prompted at least one management agency to revise the criteria used locally (Ryel et al. 1961). Furthermore, variation in individual interpretation of wear, especially under field conditions, led to further aging discrepancies (Ryel et al. 1961, Gilbert 1964). With the adaptation of a more precise aging technique, cemental annuli analysis, to North American deer, (Low and Cowan 1963; Gilbert 1966, Ransom 1966), it became possible to determine the inherent variations in the tooth-wear method. While certain studies (Ludwig 1967, Campbell 1967) have shown the greater precision of the annuli-counting technique, there have been apparently to date, no direct comparisons under normal data collection procedures by a game agency during the deer season. The purpose of this study was to ascertain the differences between ages assigned to Maine deer in the field by the tooth-wear method and in the laboratory for the same deer by cemental annuli counts. 1 A contribution of the Federal Aid in Wildlife Restoration Act, Maine Project W-37-R. 532 The cooperation and assistance of the biological staff of the Maine Inland Fish and Game Department's Game Division were sincerely appreciated.

Brovst, en kystboplads fra ældre stenalder

Brovst, en kystboplads fra ældre stenalder

Comparison of Eruption-Wear Patterns and Cementum Annuli as Age Criteria in Elk

Comparison of Eruption-Wear Patterns and Cementum Annuli as Age Criteria in Elk

The occurrence of upper canine teeth in Roe deer (Capreolus capreolus) from England and Scotland

Examination of the skulls of 133 Roe deer (123♂, 10♀) from seven areas of England and Scotland has shown that small canine teeth or their alveoli are occasionally found in the upper jaw of both males and females. These teeth do not penetrate the gum and are detected readily only by dissection or preparation of the skull. Evidence for the presence of canine teeth was found in three of the seven populations sampled. It is concluded that the frequency of occurrence in most of the populations examined is very low except in one where it is of the order of 17 %. It is not clear whether the upper canine is represented in both the deciduous and the permanent dentition.

Chronology of Mineralization and Eruption of Mandibular Teeth in Mule Deer

Chronology of Mineralization and Eruption of Mandibular Teeth in Mule Deer

Aging White-Tailed Deer by Annuli in the Cementum of the First Incisor

Histological preparations of the primary incisors of white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) revealed the presence of layers in the cementum corresponding to yearly growth. The method was confirmed by using known-age material from Michigan. Since regional variation and inconsistency have been shown to occur in the use of the tooth-wear method of aging the white-tailed deer (Ryel et al. 1961, Gilbert 1964), it is necessary that another more general and more accurate criterion be found. Recent progress on studies of the annual increment in body structures of many species of mammals suggested the approach used in this study. Annual rings in either the dentine or cementum have been described for other big game species: for moose (Alces alces) by Sergeant and Pimlott (1959), for caribou (Rangifer tarandus) by McEwan (1963), for the mule deer (Odocoileus hemonius) by Low and Cowan (1963), and for the white-tailed deer by Ransom (1966). Known-age material in this study was made available through the Michigan Department of Conservation; the cooperation of Dr. L. Fay and L. Verme is much appreciated. I am grateful to Dr. D. Dodds and the Biology staff at Acadia University, who directed the study through its early stages, and to A. T. Cringan and Dr. S. Dixon of the Zoology Department of the University of Guelph, who supplied the needed facilities for the completion of the study. MATERIALS AND METHODS When the teeth from wild specimens of white-tailed deer were ground, examination indicated the presence of annuli in both the dentine and cementum of the incisiform and molariform teeth. Owing to the greater ease of removing and decalcifying the primary incisor (Ii), this tooth was used for the perfection of a histological technique. McEwan's (1963:111-112) procedure formed the basis of this technique, and it was finally refined to the following: (1) decalcification of the incisor in 30 percent formic acid for 96 hours (or longer if necessary), (2) immersion in Cellusolve for 24 hours, (3) three paraffin (melting point, 54-56 C) baths of 3, 2, and 2 hours each, (4) longitudinal sectioning of the tooth at a thickness of 10 microns by means of a microtome, (5) standard staining technique using Delafield's hematoxylin with a maximum staining time of /2 hour. Microscopic examination of sections mounted in balsam by means of transmitted light proved entirely satisfactory. The technique was then tested for veracity against a sample of known-age whitetailed deer teeth (1%/-11 years) from MichiTable 1. Data on 10 known-age deer specimens from Michigan from whose primary incisors the aging technique was confirmed. LIVING DATE AGE AT CONDISEX OF DEATH TIONS DEATH (IN YEARS) Experimental F 4/19/58 1% Experimental F 10/31/60 2? Experimental F 3/16/60 5% Natural F 3/23/60 6% Experimental M 12/ 6/63 7? Natural F 2/23/60 8% Natural F 11/16/59 91/2 Natural F 4/12/53 11 Natural F 1/ 4/65 3% Natural M 10/29/63 4?

Incidence of Maxillary Canine Teeth in White-Tailed Deer from San Patricio County, Texas

Incidence of Maxillary Canine Teeth in White-Tailed Deer from San Patricio County, Texas

A Summer Whistling Cock Count of Bobwhite Quail as an Index to Wintering Populations

Colorado mule deer in relation to their age classes. Colo. Fish and Game Dept., 38pp. JONES, F. L. 1953. Ageing the Inyo mule deer. Proc. Conf. West. Assoc. of State Game and Fish Comm., 33:209-219. LEOPOLD, A. S., T. RINEY, R. MCCAIN, AND L. TEVIS, JR. 1951. The Jawbone deer herd. Calif. Div. Fish and Game, Game Bull. No. 4, 139pp. McLEAN, D. D. 1936. The replacement of teeth in deer as a means of age determination. Calif. Fish and Game, 22:43-44. MORELAND, R. 1952. A technique for determining age in black-tailed deer. Proc. Conf. West. Assoc. of State Game and Fish Comm., 32:214219.

Canine Teeth in White-Tailed Deer

Canine Teeth in White-Tailed Deer