Dental occlusion in the higher primates. Application of a reduced-scale model of occlusion: the “occlusal matrix”

We analyzed by a reduced-scale model of occlusion named “occlusal matrix” (M.O.), the report of the dental arches between the various anatomical pillars which are the first permanent molars (M1) and the final canines (C). We define thus 3 measurements, the total area of the occlusal matrix: M.O. (AT), the area of the superior face, representing palatine face: M.O. (FS) and the area of the inferior face: M.O. (FI), representing mandibulary face. This morphometric study was carried out on skulls of current Great Apes (Pan, Gorilla and Pongo), medieval and subcurrent populations living in southeast France (Provence) and on skulls mouldings of fossil Hominids. In the evolution of Hominoi¨ds towards the current man, a regular reduction of studied areas and thus of the jaws is confirmed by the recourse to these 3 new measurements designated by our study. In addition, the various stages of this reduction correspond in all points to those described for the general evolution of the higher primates. So, these 3 new measurements appear like particularly powerful describing with a simple tool the occlusal evolution of the Hominoi¨ds and making it possible to better define their phyletic position within the framework of paleontological research. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]