The timing and site(s) of appearance of modern humans is of central interest to physical anthropologists. This research seeks to help clarify the relationships of sub-Saharan populations through the analysis of dental traits. As many recent theories postualte a recent, African origin for our species, clarification of population relationships on this continent are a key aspect of resolving the larger question. Lately, much research has utilized nucleic acid technology to seek answers to these questions, but not without challenge. For instance, some of the results appear to be at odds with archaeological evidence. The dentition evidences a number of independent, genetic traits which can be used to help clarig=fy population relationships. To date, however, the dental anthropology of African poulations has been minimal. The proposed study will involve the scoring of a sizable number of human, African dentitions which are housed in several museums. A number of computer algorithms can be used to assess similarities between populations, both within Africa and in contrast to non- African groups for which data already exists. By such techniques a clearer picture of human movements and evolution should emerge.
