Palaeopathology of the Pleistocene specimen D2600 from Dmanisi (Republic of Georgia)

Abstract

Here we present a detailed palaeopathological study of the hominin mandible D2600 recov-ered at the Dmanisi site, Republic of Georgia. The Dmanisi assemblage represents theearliest evidence of hominins outside Africa with an age of 1.8 Ma. D2600 is the holotypeof Homo georgicus species and its taxonomic assignment is still under debate. Our studyreveals severe and unusual dental wear accompanied of extensive root exposure and dental axial migration, periapical abscesses and enamel fractures. In addition, there is evidenceof post-eruptive tooth rotation and temporomandibular arthropathy. We propose that thewear pattern observed in this individual is related to a diet with a high intake of fibrousand abrasive foods such as fruits and plants, as it is usually recorded in chimpanzees andgorillas and unlike the wear pattern observed in other Homo specimens of our comparativesample. The rounded occlusal surfaces and highly polished labio-lingual surfaces of D2600anterior teeth could be mainly the consequence of pre - and/or para-masticatory activi-ties such as gripping and stripping. This type of food would be also the origin of the highlycupped occlusal morphology of the posterior dentition in combination with relatively slightapproximal attrition. However, the lesions exhibited by D2600 have not significantly alteredthe morphology of the mandible and do not prevent a proper taxonomic assessment.