S wtz K T K R A N s 277
its b/l axis slightly obliquely oriented outward. P1 and
2 alveoli damaged and uninformative. M2 and 3
subequal in size, with M1 slightly smaller. All quite
worn, interstitially as well occlusally. M3 and probably
M2 taper roundedly distally; occlusal surfaces are
quite restricted due to rounding in of sides, especially
buccally. M1-3 hypoconulids relatively large and quite
buccally situated. As seen on M3, a small cuspulid lies
lingual to the hypoconulid and the midline of crown.
Again as seen best on M3s, subequally sized proto-
conid and metaconid lie opposite one another, as do
the slightly smaller hypoconid and entoconid; a small
trigonid pit is situated at base of metaconid. Base of
hypoconid broad m/d; extends slightly across midline
of crown. Talonid basin restricted both b/l and m/d.
SKX 257 and SKX 258. Isolated, unerupted mola-
riform crowns (dm2s or small Mls?), each with
trigonid basin, distally set entoconid, centroconid-like
extension of hypoconulid into talonid basin, and
buccally shifted hypoconulid. Similar in size to SK 15;
very small compared to Mls of SK 843, 846a, and
SKX 4446.SK 843t. M1 and 2 more worn and narrower than
antimeric matches of SK 4446; similarity includes
small metastylid; both same age.
SK 8460. MI. Although more worn and
narrower b/l, morphologically similar to SKX 4446.
SKX 4446 (Member 2). Partial R corpus preserved
from region of I2 to mesial portion of M3 crypt (tooth
apparently was not erupting), retaining P2-M2, roots
of P1, alveolus for C and partial alveolus of 12.
Corpus fairly robust; moderately tall s/i and
broad m/l, especially below Ps. Internal and external
surfaces essentially parallel. Jaw would apparently have
been somewhat narrow across symphyseal region, with
strongly divergent tooth rows. In profile, front of jaw
gently curves up and slightly outward from inferior
margin. Further up, bone is damaged; apparently
would have curved back toward teeth. No external
morphological detail in this region. Mental foramen
fairly large; lies well below region of P1. Anterior root
of ramus begins to bulge below Ml; its margin is
evident by M2. Trace of preserved mandibular gutter
indicates it would not have been very pronounced. In-
ternally, postincisal plane is relatively straight and
slopes steeply; just above its midregion, it turns down
much more steeply and is interrupted by a pit or fora-
men (or may be just damage). Below this, the bonecurves in and down more severely. Digastric fossa m/l
wide, a/p long, shallow, and backwardly facing. No
trace of mylohyoid line or submandibular fossa.
I2 alveolus partially preserved; indicates root
would have been moderately long, quite b/l wide near
neck, with a low, central, vertical groove along lingual
side. C root would have been extremely long, quite
broad b/l, and somewhat compressed m/d. Two b/l
very wide Pl roots preserved; orientation of mesial
root does not suggest crown would have been
markedly skewed m/b. Pl-M2 have quite bulbous
cusps, with varying evidence of deep cuspulation in
basins. Ml and probably P2 moderately worn; M2
only minimally worn. P2 and Ml large, but P2 visibly
smaller and distinct from molar series. P2 has a large,
centrally placed protoconid. Metaconid small and very
mesially placed, incorporated into crests that termi-
nate as thickenings on either side of protoconid.
Mesial crest short, runs straight along side of crown;
another crest curves strongly around d/l portion of
crown, encircling deep basin. Cristid connects bases of
protoconid and mesially shifted metaconid. Buccal
side of tooth steeply sloping; lingual side more round-
edly swollen.
M1 slightly smaller in all dimensions than M2.
Both have distinct, m/d thin trigonid basins that lie
just within occlusal surface and extend more in front
of metaconid than protoconid. Buccal cusps some-
what more internally placed than lingual cusps.
Talonid basin long, somewhat shallow; lies lingually.
Protoconid and large metaconid lie opposite one an-
other. Entoconid smaU; lies just distal to wedge-shaped
hypoconid. Base of hypoconid extends across midline
of tooth. Hypoconulid relatively large, buccally shifted
toward hypoconid; these cusps are separated by a nar-
row, wedge-shaped groove. Hypocristid short; runs
from hypoconid to entoconid, enclosing a somewhat
lingually placed deep basin or fovea. On M1, a vertical
groove runs buccally between protoconid and
hypoconid. On M2, this region is more excavated; a
small stylid lies at base of a vertical groove. M2 some-
what rounded, and M1 probably was, too.SKX 21204 (Member I). Partial immature mandible
preserving corpus from symphyseal region to around
M1. Preserves alveoli of all deciduous teeth, and part
of alveolus for mesial root of M1. I2 beginning
to erupt; crown of I1 not fully formed. Crown of
P2 oriented sideways (pathological). Bone missing
on internal side, exposing crown of P2 in its crypt.