Nonmetric Traits at the Enamel‐Dentine Junction and Crown Tissue Proportions of Canines and Premolars in Neandertals and Modern Humans: Impact of Sample Composition on Taxonomic Discrimination

ABSTRACT Objectives This study assesses the efficacy of analyzing nonmetric traits at the enamel‐dentine junction (EDJ) and tissue proportions of upper and lower canines and premolars to distinguish Neandertals from modern humans. It also evaluates the impact of sample composition and size for taxonomical analyses. Materials and Methods The sample includes 386 teeth (115 Neandertals, 271 modern humans). Nonmetric trait frequencies at the EDJ were recorded using a fossil adapted ASUDA system. Enamel and dentine‐pulp volumes, EDJ surface area and dental tissue proportions in crown (3D AET , 3D RET , %V cdp ) were measured. Results Nonmetric trait combinations can help differentiate Neandertals from modern humans. For instance, the Neandertal P 4 tends to possess a transverse crest, occlusal asymmetry, and multiple lingual cusps. Neandertal enamel is generally thinner with significant differences in the P 3 , P 4 , C 1 , and P 4 , although there is substantial overlap with modern humans. Discussion Analyzing nonmetric trait combinations represents a viable method for distinguishing Neandertal from modern humans, with a particular emphasis on fourth premolars. While Neandertals generally exhibit thinner enamel than modern humans, caution is needed when using enamel thickness as a diagnostic criterion due to the considerable overlap between the groups. Additionally, the composition and size of the Neandertal and modern human samples significantly influence the enamel thickness results. These results further prompt a reassessment of evolutionary changes in enamel thickness among Middle Pleistocene European populations.