Age-dependent mandibular asymmetries in domestic pigs

Abstract

A sample of 41 dentulous dry mandibles from adult domestic pigs were studied in order to compare both the right and left sides according to age. Samples were grouped according to dental status:"subadults" (erupting third molar, n=19) and"adults" (fully erupted third molar, n=22). Individual levels of asymmetry were analysed from the x- and y-coordinates of 16 landmarks on the dorsal aspect of the mandible. The analyses separated directional asymmetry (one side of the body with a larger character value than the other) and fluctuating asymmetry (small random deviations from perfect symmetry), which were both found to be significant. The condylar ramus was the most asymmetric structure for both age groups.