In a cross validation test of the known samples, 89% of the Neandertals and 89% of the Upper Paleolithic modern humans were classified correctly. The classification is based on dental trait frequencies and sample sizes for ‘known’ samples of 95 Neandertals and 63 Upper Paleolithic modern humans. We present a Bayesian statistical approach to classifying individuals represented exclusively by teeth into two possible groups. Even so, it is rare to find mandibles or maxillae that preserve all or most of their teeth and, the probability of correctly identifying individuals represented by only a few teeth or a single tooth is unknown. Although dental remains are frequently considered to be taxonomically undiagnostic in this context, recent research shows that Neandertals possess a distinct dental pattern relative to anatomically modern humans. Some have suggested that Neandertals may, in fact, be responsible for the Aurignacian and the earliest Upper Paleolithic industries. However, human remains associated with this industry are frustratingly sparse and often limited to teeth. The Aurignacian is typically taken as a marker of the spread of anatomically modern humans into Europe.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |