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On the groove configuration of mandibular molars: The unreliability of the “dryopithecus pattern” and a new method for classifying mandibular molars
Author(s) -
Biggerstaff Robert H.
Publication year - 1968
Publication title -
american journal of physical anthropology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.146
H-Index - 119
eISSN - 1096-8644
pISSN - 0002-9483
DOI - 10.1002/ajpa.1330290320
Subject(s) - molar , cusp (singularity) , groove (engineering) , orthodontics , ridge , dentistry , superimposition , mandibular second molar , mathematics , medicine , biology , geometry , computer science , materials science , paleontology , artificial intelligence , metallurgy
The long‐used qualitative nomenclature for the cusp‐groove pattern of lower molars, and the definition applying to it, was investigated and found to be unsatisfactory for the repetitive classification of lower molars. Moreover, developmental grooves per se were found to represent the results of highly variable environmental phenomena and therefore their use cannot be justified as an evolutionary determinant. A simple, but effective classification for lower molars, based on cusp size, cusp number, distal fovea, and distal marginal ridge was presented.