established as having dates from between 50,000 and 26,000 years old. By applying this information into a Bayesian statistical-modelling method, researchers were able to obtain an age for the maxilla that was between 44,000 and 41,000 years old. Anatomically Modern Human vs. Neanderthal Since a date of 44,000 to 41,000 moves the maxilla, and the presence of anatomically modern humans, back to a period when Neanderthals were still populating Europe this scientists endeavored to further study the morphology and genetics of the teeth and maxilla to confirm it was not in fact of Neanderthal origin. An attempt was made to extract mitochondrial DNA from one of the teeth, but there were insufficient amounts for valid DNA sequencing. To more accurately measure the morphology of the teeth against both AMH and Neanderthal traits a virtual three-dimensional model of the maxilla was generated from a CT scan. Using this detailed model both the external and internal shapes of the teeth with samples of AMH and Neanderthal fossils from several different sites. The Kent’s Cavern maxilla was determined to possess early modern human characteristics in all but 3 of the 16 dental characteristics examined, leading the researchers to re-confirm it as an anatomically modern human fossil. Controversies Some researchers refute the Bayesian method obtained date, and argue that we cannot rely on the assumption that the deposits in which all the dated artefacts were located were undisturbed. They argue that the Bayesian AMS site chronology is problematic because it presents dating for material found above the maxilla returning an older date, implying that the material contexts had been disturbed. Furthermore it has need argued that the geology of the site undermines these dating methods as establishing stratigraphic relationships for sediments deposited in caves is problematic. See also List of human evolution fossils References External links http://humanorigins.si.edu/evidence/human-fossils/species/homo-sapiens http://www.torquaymuseum.org/explore/explore-our-collections/archaeology Fossil taxa described in 1927 Fossils of England Genetics in the United Kingdom History of Devon Torquay 1927 in England Specific fossil specimens Upper Paleolithic Homo sapiens fossils