Microevolution of mandible in the area of Central Europe during the latest 1200 years using methods of 3D geometric morphometrics
Abstract
The developmental mandible changes are affected by many genetic and exogenous factors, as mechanical stress due to tongue and orofacial muscle activity or compensatory - adaptative mechanisms related to the development of maxilla and temporomandibular joint. The link between chewing cycle kinematics, masticatory performance and mandible shape remains.
The primary aim of this study is to assess, understand and explain changes in the shape of the mandible from the early medieval period to the present days in the Slavic Central European area.