Κατεύθυνση Περιβάλλοντα Ιζηματογένεσης, Οικοσυστήματα και Γεωβιοπόροι
Library of the School of Science

2024-05-12

2024

Noulis Vasileios-Georgios

Σταθοπούλου Ελίζαμπεθ, μέλος Ε.ΔΙ.Π, Τμήματος Γεωλογίας και Γεωπεριβάλλοντος ΕΚΠΑ,
Ρουσιάκης Σωκράτης, Αναπληρωτής Καθηγητής, Τμήματος Γεωλογίας και Γεωπεριβάλλοντος ΕΚΠΑ,
Αναστασάκης Γεώργιος, Ομότιμος Καθηγητής, Τμήματος Γεωλογίας και Γεωπεριβάλλοντος, ΕΚΠΑ

Συμβολή στη μελέτη της μικροδομής της αδαμαντίνης απολιθωμένων οδόντων του νάνου ιπποπόταμου Phanourios minor, από την περιοχή της Αγίας Νάπας, της νήσου Κύπρου.

Greek

A contribution to the study of the enamel microstructure of fossilized teeth of the dwarf hippo Phanourios minor from Aghia Napa, Cyprus.

In bibliography, the family of Hippopotamidae has not been thoroughly studied as far as enamel microstructure is concerned. Let alone an island endemic form, like the species of Phanourios minor. Despite the abundant paleontological material on the island of Cyprus and the variety of studies of several species, that have been conducted concerning this material, when it comes to enamel microstructure there is but little information.
This thesis aims at the study, understanding and description of enamel microstructure and possible unique characteristics that can offer crucial phylogenetic information and even lead to the identification of the species.
The dental material of endemic dwarf hippos, belonging to the species Phanourios minor, from the site of Aghia Napa Cyprus, which we studied, consisted of ten molar teeth, of different excavation periods. In addition, we also examined two teeth fragments belonging to the species of Hippopotamus amphibius, from the University of Bonn.
Scanning electron microscopy, was the indicated way to complete our study, because when it comes both to archeological and paleontological findings, the usage of scanning electron microscopy is considered essential for the observation of specimen histology. It is a useful tool, suggested for the study of enamel and the alterations it has undergone, the detection of the secondary mineral phases and also the presence or not of microbial activity.
The conclusions of this thesis, which is included among the first attempts to shed light upon the corresponding research field, though partly expected, have been exceedingly interesting. The comparison between the enamel microstructure of the species Phanourios minor with that belonging to the species of Hippopotamus amphibius has indicated the differences between them while the further findings have provided us with evidence beyond our objective, consistent with the observations concerning bioerosion. Undoubtedly the enamel microstructure of the species in question was not feasible to be highlighted as a unique structural feature through the present research, although nothing can exclude it from happening in the future, through the enrichment of the equivalent bibliography.

Science

Tooth, Enamel, Microstructure, Dwarf hippo, Phanourios minor, Cyprus, Aghia Napa, endemic

Yes

2

Yes

176

235

File access is restricted until 2024-11-14.

https://pergamos.lib.uoa.gr/uoa/dl/object/3398392