Trigonid crests expression in Atapuerca-Sima de los Huesos lower molars: Internal and external morphological expression and evolutionary inferences

The study reveals that the expression of trigonid crests on lower molars from the Atapuerca-Sima de los Huesos site, attributed to Homo heidelbergensis, shows greater variability internally (at the enamel-dentine junction) compared to externally (occlusal surface). This internal-external concordance allows for reconstructing occlusal morphology in partially worn teeth. The variation observed aligns more closely with Neanderthals than modern humans, particularly in the consistent presence of a continuous intermediate trigonid crest internally. However, unique configurations not seen in Homo neanderthalensis or Homo sapiens were also identified. The research used 3D microCT modeling to analyze 62 molars, providing insights into evolutionary patterns and morphological expression in this hominin population.

Martínez de Pinillos, M., Martinón-Torres, M., Skinner, M. M., Arsuaga, J. L., Gracia-Téllez, A., Martínez, I., Martín-Francés, L., & Bermúdez de Castro, J. M. (2014). Trigonid crests expression in Atapuerca-Sima de los Huesos lower molars: Internal and external morphological expression and evolutionary inferences. Comptes Rendus Palevol, 13(3), 205–221. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.crpv.2013.10.008