Abstract
The frequencies of developmental abnormalities in size, shape, number of teeth, and enamel formation are presented for a sample of 389 prehistoric Ohio Valley Amerindians from the following cultural complexes: Glacial Kame, Adena, Ohio Hopewell, Cole, Fort Ancient, and Erie (Whittlesey Focus). In addition, the magnitude of fluctuating asymmetry is determined for each tooth and for individuals of these groups.
Tests of association indicate complexes with Late Diffuse economic adaptations (Glacial Kame, Adena, Hopewell) exhibit significantly higher frequencies of numerical abnormalities of M~3~ and M^3^ enamel pearls, while Late Focal complexes (Cole, Fort Ancient, Erie) exhibit a higher frequency of severe, general linear enamel hypoplasia. The magnitude of fluctuating asymmetry is, however, generally the same in the Late Diffuse and Late Focal groups.
The occurrence of two rare abnormalities with large genetic components, essentially limited to one Hopewell and one Adena mound, raises the possibility that the individuals interred in these mounds are biologically related. Since it is widely held that mound burials represent a status class of the population, it is likely that the Late Diffuse sample is biased in favor of a number of highly select population segments each of which contains biologically related individuals. Accordingly, the lower frequency of severe, general linear enamel hypoplasia in Late Diffuse groups is hypothesized as the result of the more advantageous circumstances expected for high status individuals, and the higher frequencies of numerical abnormalities of M~3~ and M^3^ enamel pearls are hypothesized primarily as the result of mitigated selection on masticatory complex integration, and/or a biased sample.
Comparisons with the deciduous dentition show the permanent teeth exhibit higher frequencies of developmental abnormalities. This result is explicable in terms of the more favorable developmental environment of the primary teeth, or a stronger developmental canalization.