Ameloglyphics: a novel forensic tool for species identification and individual characterisation

Introduction Ameloglyphics, the study of enamel rod-end patterns, or "tooth prints," has emerged as a promising forensic tool. Its application in human identification is documented, but data on comparative morphology across human and non-human mammalian species remain limited. Differentiating the species is crucial in forensic contexts such as mass disasters, wildlife forensics, and anthropological investigations. Aim & objective This study aimed to observe and compare the ameloglyphic patterns of human and selected non-human mammals, hypothesising that species-specific enamel rod-end configurations exist and can be digitally analysed for identification. Materials & methods A total of 163 extracted permanent teeth were collected, comprising 51 humans (Homo sapiens), 22 dogs (Canis lupus familiaris), 15 cats (Felis catus), 25 goats (Capra aegagrus hircus), 46 cows & calves (Bos taurus), and 4 buffaloes (Bubalus bubalis). The coronal segments of all teeth were acid etched, and examined under stereomicroscope to analyse the tooth print. Statistical analysis was conducted using chi-square test, and biometric analysis was performed with Verifinger Standard SDK v4.5 software. Result Three primary core patterns, along with seventeen distinct sub-patterns, were identified and classified. Intra- and inter-observer reliability of identification of these patterns was also assessed using Cohen’s kappa statistics.These patterns were observed either independently or in combination, exhibiting statistically significant variations in their distribution across different tooth types and species. Conclusion Biometric analysis confirmed tooth- and species-specific uniqueness of enamel rod-end patterns, demonstrating the potential of ameloglyphics for interspecies differentiation with wide forensic applications like anthropology, wildlife forensics and forensic identification.