Quantitative Analysis of the Hypocone in the Human Upper Molars

Abstract

Abstract A new technique which measures the relative size of the hypocone in the two-dimensional space was proposed. This measurement shows quite parallel trends to those obtained by the other methods so far employed, and allows reasonably detailed comparisons either between the molar teeth or between the racial populations. It was also emphasized, through the twin studies, that the measurements are largely controlled by genes. In addition, modern man and some fossil forms were compared by this method and the differences in reduction of the hypocone were discussed.