Morphological variation of the deciduous second molars in the Baka Pygmies.

ABSTRACT: The Baka Pygmies are known for their short stature resulting from a reduced growth rate during infancy. They are peculiar also for their teeth erupt earlier than in any other African population, and their posterior dentition is larger than in non-Pygmy populations. However, the Baka's dental morphology, like several other aspects of their biology, is still understudied. Here, we explore the variation of the Baka's deciduous upper and lower second molars (dm2s) in comparison to a geographically heterogeneous human sample by means of 3D geometric morphometrics and analysis of dental traits. Our results show that the different populations largely overlap based on the shape of their dm2s, especially the lower ones. Their distal region and the height of the dentinal crown differ the most, with

SUBMITTER: Simkova PG 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8363745 | biostudies-literature | 2021 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature