Dental nonmetric traits are quasicontinous variables, mostly of genetic origin. Thus, sets of such traits allow biological distance estimation between samples. Mandibular molar pit-tubercle (MMPT) is a buccal trait defined by Weets (2009) in Irish samples. This study aims to analyze (a) trait frequencies, (b) grade definitions, (c) intraobserver error, (d) sexual dimorphism, (e) asymmetry, and (f) trait associations for MMPT in a Portuguese sample. The first (LM1), second (LM2) and third (LM3) lower molars of 600 identified individuals from the Coimbra collections were scored for MMPT in three scoring sessions. Intraobserver error, bilateral asymmetry and trait correlations were tested using Kendall's τ-b, while sexual dimorphism was verified using Pearson's χ. Frequencies (LM1: 2.1%; LM2: 3.5%; LM3: 30.3%) were similar to previous reports. However, a new free apex cusp form (grade 3+) was detected. Considering three scoring sessions, intraobserver precision was above 85%, and correlation coefficients between observations were positive and moderate to very strong (0.291<τ-b<0.835). Intrasample variation was low, since only LM3 showed sexual dimorphism (female: 30.2%; males: 16.2%; χ=15.512; p<0.001; df=1; n=556) and large asymmetry (27.1%). There were no strong (τ-b>0.3) intertrait associations involving MMPT. MMPT shows low trait presence, sexual dimorphism and asymmetry in stable teeth (LM1 and LM2). Intraobserver precision is high, so scoring should be reliable, although a plaque and better threshold grade definition is needed. After further research on non-European samples, MMPT can be useful in biodistance research.

The utility of nonmetric dental traits in population phenetic studies is well documented. However, consistency in scoring trait expression is a concern due to the subjectivity in scoring quasicontinuous variables with graded scales. The aims of this study are to 1) analyze intraobserver results from an independent scorer and 2) interpret the least precise results. Six hundred individuals (300 of each sex) were scored for 48 dental nonmetric traits using ASUDAS, in one preliminary (100 individuals) and two full observations. Intraobserver precision between scoring sessions yielded adequate results (85% to 100%), with two notable exceptions (UI2 and LC distal accessory ridge) and three somewhat problematic cases (UM2 hypocone, UM1 Carabelli's trait, and LM1 anterior fovea). Kendall's τ-b rank correlation coefficients are usually moderate to strong (> 0.3). The results are similar to previously published studies of observer error. Error rates are likely caused by inexperience in observable surface selection and trait/grade definition. ASUDAS requires restraint from scoring teeth that are too worn or modified by caries or chipping. A careful study of trait and grade definitions is strongly encouraged. The key element in achieving high precision rates is experience. Intraobserver (and, if needed, interobserver) error should always be calculated. Overall, ASUDAS is a reliable and useful method, especially if the author's recommendations are followed.

Bone decomposition in archaeological contexts is differential and dependent on geological and taphonomic variables. The present work analyses evidences of skeletal diagenesis in 25 inhumations (3 rd -4 th to 5 th -7 th centuries) from the Via XVII necropolis of Bracara Augusta (Braga, Portugal). Bracara Augusta is located in the Minho region, Northwest Portugal. Minho's granitic soils are characterized by high acidity. Precipitation is high in cold seasons and markedly reduced in the summer. The influence of these factors on bone preservation of Via XVII inhumations was analyzed through the comparison between graves with different structural traits (box presence, box material, sediment presence, chronology, coffin/stretcher presence or material, and cover presence or type), using the chi squared test. None of the comparisons showed significant differences in skeletal preservation frequencies. Yet, the comparison between graves that structurally limit skeletal contact with sediment (sealed/undisturbed boxes) or water flow (gable roof boxes) (100%) and the remaining graves (43.8%) presented significantly different frequencies (χ 2 = 7.910; p = 0.005). The taphonomic conditions of Via XVII inhumations are inadequate for bone preservation. In graves preserving osteological material, the presence of a box structure is essential, yet only of determining influence if kept sealed or covered with a gable roof. The continued study of taphonomic factors influencing bone diagenesis will allow the preparation of archaeological excavations in Braga funerary contexts to account for the needed specialists and materials. Resumo:Diagénese óssea em inumações da Via XVII (Bracara Augusta): Identificação de fatores tafonómicos e ambientais na preservação esquelética diferencial A decomposição dos ossos em contexto arqueológico é diferencial, dependente de variáveis geológicas e tafonómicas. O presente trabalho analisa evidências relativas à diagénese esquelética em 25 inumações (séculos III-IV a V-VII) da necrópole da Via XVII de Bracara Augusta (Braga). Bracara Augusta localiza-se no Minho, região no noroeste de Portugal Continental de solos graníticos caracterizados por elevada acidez. A precipitação é elevada nas estações frias, reduzindo-se marcadamente em períodos quentes. A influência destes fatores na preservação óssea das inumações escavadas na Via XVII foi pesquisada pela comparação entre sepulturas de diferentes características estruturais (presença de caixa, material da caixa, contacto com sedimento, cronologia, presença de caixão/padiola, tipo e presença de cobertura), recorrendo ao chi quadrado. Nenhuma das comparações revelou diferenças significativas nas frequências de preservação esquelética. No entanto, a comparação entre sepulturas de estrutura limitadora do contacto com sedimento (caixas seladas/não perturbadas) ou do fluxo de água (caixa com cobertura de duas águas) (100%) com as restantes sepulturas (43,8%) revelou frequências significativamente diferentes (χ 2 = 7,910; p = 0,005). As condições tafonómicas das in...

Dental morphology is a useful resource in archaeology, anthropology and paleontology, due to its genetic determination. Teeth are a material of high durability and stability. This work aims to study the dental morphology and test the Portuguese and European biological affinities of an undocumented mandibular sample, through comparison with global and Iberian samples. The dental traits in 163 mandibles (kept at the Museum of Natural History of the University of Oporto, Portugal) were scored using a standardized methodology (ASUDAS: Arizona State University Dental Anthropology System) and compared to other world-wide and Iberian samples through Principal Components (PCA) and Mean Measure of Divergence analyses. The undertaken quantitative and statistical tests demonstrated the unknown sample to be closer to the Coimbra Portuguese sample in all three comparisons. This suggests this undocumented mandibular sample is possibly of Portuguese 19/20 century origin.

A reference sample of dental and oral nonmetric traits should represent its biological population from which it stems. The presence of individuals born at different times, different regions, and separate countries in the Coimbraidentified cranial collections provides the test of whether this sample reflects the biological continuity of this Portuguese sample among the late modern (early industrialization, nineteenth century) to early contemporary (early demographic transition, first half of the twentieth century) population of this region of central Portugal. The Coimbra collections were scored for 61 traits using methodology by Hauser and De individuals in the sample were divided by generation, region, and nationality. Their phenetic diversity was tested with principal component analysis and with the mean measure of divergence statistic. The proximity between the subsamples was generalized, and it mimicked previous genetic marker results. Some small subsamples hindered conclusions; nevertheless, this Coimbra sample is considered a reliable dental reference sample for the Portuguese late modern/early contemporary population.