Prevalence and the duration of linear enamel hypoplasia: a comparative study of Neandertals and Inuit foragers

摘要: As a dental indicator of generalized physiological stress, enamel hypoplasia has been the subject several Neandertal studies. While previous studies generally have found high frequencies in Neandertals, significance this finding varies with comparative samples. The present investigation was undertaken to ascertain if evidence Neandertals suggests level stress relative modern human foraging group, represented here by an archaeological sample Inuit from Point Hope, Alaska. Unlike studies, study focused specifically on linear (LEH), emphasizing systemic over localized causes defect considering LEH be individual only defects occur two anterior teeth overlapping crown formation periods. Moreover, is first evaluate average growth disruption duration these and group. In prevalence analysis, 7/18 individuals (from Krapina southern France) 21/56 were affected LEH, or 38.9% 37.5% respectively. These values do not differ significantly those which 8/21, 38.1% individuals, 32/111, 28.8% affected. For 22 representing separate episodes compared group using three indicators duration: number perikymata (growth increments) occlusal walls defects, total within them, width. Only one indicator, differed between groups (an 13.4 vs. 7.3 perikymata), suggesting that there any difference may actually represent longer disruptions than defects. Thus, while other eventually show populations more stressed foragers, does lend support idea.