Computed tomography and intercuspal angulation of maxillary molars of Plio-Pleistocene hominids from Sterkfontein, Swartkrans and Kromdraai (South Africa): an exploratory study.

Abstract

The non-destructive technique of Computed Tomography (CT) is used in an exploratory study to investigate variability in angles measured at the crown surface and the dentino-enamel junction of maxillary molars of Plio-Pleistocene hominids from Swartkrans, Sterkfontein and Kromdraai. Discriminant analysis of six angles used together successfully separates 'gracile' and 'robust' australopithecines, although individual angles do not. This study indicates that differences between teeth of Australopithecus africanus and A. robustus are not fully accounted for by gross differences in enamel thickness.