Quantitative analysis of the molar-size sequence in human prehistoric populations of the Canary Isles

Percentage frequencies for molar-size sequence of first and second molars, as well as the statistical parameters for the individual differences between the measurements of these molars, were calculated in two human prehistoric aboriginal samples from Gran Canaria and Tenerife Islands using mesiodistal and buccolingual dimensions. Remarkable differences between the two populations, whose cultural and anthropological differences are well established, were observed. The findings support the hypothesis that quantitative analysis of molar size sequence can be useful in establishing phylogenetic relationships between populations.