Dataset: Lower third molar morphometrics and dietary implications in the archaeological cervid from Playa Don Bernardo archaeological site, Panama

This dataset contains morphometric measurements of 176 lower third molars (m3) from both archaeological and modern cervid specimens, compiled to investigate the taxonomic and ecological affinities of an extinct deer population from the Playa Don Bernardo (PdB) archaeological site on Pedro González Island, Panama (~5000 BP). The dataset includes 26 m3 from the PdB assemblage and comparative samples from 13 extant cervid species (Odocoileus, Mazama, Pudu, Hippocamelus, Blastocerus, and others), curated in several natural history museum collections. Each record provides taxonomic identification, collection metadata, and standardized measurements of m3 crown dimensions. These data were used in statistical analyses such as Principal Components Analysis (PCA) and boxplots to evaluate morphometric variation and ecological implications. The PdB specimens show intermediate morphology between small- and medium-bodied deer, suggesting a unique morphotype adapted to a mosaic environment. This dataset supports the paper’s findings and is intended for reuse in comparative morphometric and paleoecological studies.