Non-Metric Traits of Human Upper First and Second Molars in a Skeletal Sample from the Mausoleum Crypt of the First World War Heroes in Iași, Romania

Abstract

Nonmetric traits are often studied in palaeoanthropology to quantity genetic affinity, or biodistance within or between human populations. The present study aims at analyzing the morphology and expression pattern of the upper (maxillary) first and second molars from a sample of human remains found in the Mausoleum Crypt of the First World War Heroes in Iași, Romania. The aim is to identify similarities indicating that individuals belonged to the same population. This research provides data on dental traits of local human populations. Metacone and hypocone had a constant occurrence in the analyzed material, revealing fluctuations in their development. The Carabelli trait, metaconule and enamel extension traits were identified on a small number of molars, the highest frequency being of 23.08% metaconule in the upper first molars. The parastyle was not identified in the studied dental material.

Keywords

• non-metric traits
• molars
• mausoleum of world war i heroes
• iasi
• romania