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Digital Forensic Analysis of Tooth Wear in Prehistoric and Modern Humans
https://doi.org/10.17746/1563-0110.2025.53.1.145-154
Abstract
In this study, we aimed to identify prehistoric and modern humans on the basis of the shape and texture of occlusal surfaces of their molars. Twelve specimens were tested (6 in each group). We used surface plot and plot profile analysis in the first experiment, and also three-dimensional (3D) surface plots, facet orientation, and roughness calculations in the second experiment, to test the deviation of the top gray or surface peak with fossa or surface valley and also bottom gray. Calculations from the three regions of interest indicate that the deviation results from prehistoric human teeth are smaller than those from modern human teeth. The calculated indices of molar surface roughness of prehistoric humans are generally lower than those of modern humans. The findings demonstrate that prehistoric human teeth were a bit more worn than modern human teeth.
Keywords
Supporting agencies: This study was supported by the Airlangga University Research Center.
About the Authors
I. Yuadi
Airlangga University
Indonesia
Indonesia
Yuadi I., Associate Professor
Jalan Airlangga 4-6, Surabaya, 60286
T. Koesbardiati
Airlangga University
Indonesia
Indonesia
Koesbardiati T., Professor
Jalan Airlangga 4-6, Surabaya, 60286
R.P.R.W. Wicaksono
Airlangga University
Indonesia
Indonesia
Wicaksono R.P.R.W., Research Assistant
Jalan Airlangga 4-6, Surabaya, 60286
K. Gurushankar
Kalasalingam Academy of Research and Education ; Higher Medical and Biological School, South Ural State University
India
India
Gurushankar K., Assistant Professor; Senior Researcher
Tamil Nadu – 626 126, Krishnankoil, Virudhunagar, 626126
pr. Lenina 76, Chelyabinsk, 454080, Russia
K. Nisa’
Airlangga University
Indonesia
Indonesia
Nisa’ K., Research Assistant
Jalan Airlangga 4-6, Surabaya, 60286
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Review
For citations:
Yuadi I., Koesbardiati T., Wicaksono R., Gurushankar K., Nisa’ K. Digital Forensic Analysis of Tooth Wear in Prehistoric and Modern Humans. Archaeology, Ethnology & Anthropology of Eurasia. 2025;53(1):145-154. https://doi.org/10.17746/1563-0110.2025.53.1.145-154
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