What is a characteristic feature observed in people of Mongolian descent?

In individuals of Mongolian descent, taurodontism is recognized as a characteristic dental feature. This condition involves the atypically elongated tooth pulp chamber and a reduced root length, giving the molars a unique appearance. The roots of the teeth are often more centralized, which can make the teeth appear larger than normal. This dental trait is often more prevalent in certain ethnic groups, including those of Asian descent, which explains its association with Mongolian individuals.

Other options like multiple molar cusps, enamel pearls, and muscle stiffening are variations that may occur in different populations but are not specifically characteristic of Mongolian descent. For instance, multiple molar cusps may appear in various ethnicities but does not signify a direct correlation to a specific population. Similarly, enamel pearls are benign enamel formations occurring in different demographics without ethnic specificity, and muscle stiffening is a generalized condition that does not tie back to an ethnic group. Therefore, taurodontism stands out as a definitive characteristic of individuals of Mongolian descent.