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Variation in Modern Human Deciduous Molar Enamel Formation Time.
Patrick Mahoney1, Gina McFarlane2, Petrina Barnard1
1The Histology Lab, School of Natural Sciences, University of Kent, Canterbury, UK.
American Journal of Biological Anthropology
|November 14, 2025
Summary
Modern human deciduous molar enamel formation times show minor geographic variation, but archaeological samples completed enamel formation months earlier than present-day populations. This suggests shifts in early growth rates influenced development.
Area of Science:
- Paleoanthropology
- Human Biology
- Developmental Biology
Background:
- Deciduous molar enamel formation times offer insights into juvenile fossil hominin development.
- Understanding modern human enamel formation variation is crucial for comparative studies.
Purpose of the Study:
- Investigate geographic and temporal variation in modern human prenatal and postnatal enamel cusp formation times.
- Analyze enamel formation rates and amounts to understand differences in timing.
Main Methods:
- Histological analysis of 356 deciduous first and second molars from eight modern and archaeological populations.
- Formation times calculated using prism lengths and daily cross striations.
Main Results:
- Present-day populations showed similar total cusp formation times, with Pacific Islanders forming faster.
- Archaeological samples completed enamel cusp formation 2.5–3 months earlier than present-day groups.
- Slower growth rates and extended postnatal formation periods contributed to longer formation times.
Conclusions:
- Few significant differences in enamel formation times exist among present-day populations.
- Earlier enamel completion in archaeological samples may reflect changes in somatic growth pace.
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