A study published in the American Journal of Physical Anthropology has introduced significant advancements by the National Centre for Research on Human Evolution (CENIEH) in Spain, highlighting the potential for sex identification based on the structure of canine teeth. Conducted by the Dental Anthropology Group at CENIEH, the research identified distinct differences in the canine teeth of males and females, which could transform the approaches used in archaeological and forensic science for sex determination.

The study revealed that male canines retain traces of the canine-premolar honing complex, an evolutionary remnant that allowed males to hone their teeth into sharper forms, presumably for competition over resources or mates. Conversely, female canines were found to lack this architectural feature, providing a clear distinction that remains evident even after enamel erosion.

These findings have practical implications for forensic and archaeological practitioners responsible for constructing biological profiles from skeletal remains, noted investigators. The ability to determine sex through the more durable and evolutionarily consistent dentine layer presents novel opportunities for analyzing ancient societies and addressing forensic inquiries.

The methodology used to uncover these differences is particularly noteworthy. Employing advanced micro-CT imaging and 3D morphometric geometry, investigators detected discrepancies at the dentine layer beneath the enamel, achieving a level of detail previously unattainable in dental anthropological studies.

"Our work demonstrates that the canines exhibit sufficient dimorphism to be utilized in developing new techniques for sex estimation in human remains," noted Cecilia Yacobi Izquierdo, a study investigator. This represents a significant development, given that conventional methods for sex estimation have predominantly focused on the enamel cap's observable dimensions and configurations.

Beyond its immediate applications, this research contributes to a deeper understanding of human and primate evolutionary biology. It also emphasizes the importance of incorporating modern technologies into archaeological and anthropological research, promising to unlock long-buried mysteries through the study of teeth, investigators noted.