Effect of taphonomic processes on dental microwear

Area of Science:

• Paleontology
• Bioarchaeology
• Geochemistry

Background:

• Dental microwear analysis is crucial for reconstructing ancient hominoid diets.
• Taphonomic processes can modify dental microwear, complicating dietary interpretations.
• Anomalous wear patterns were observed on hominoid specimens from the Pasalar site (15 Ma, Turkey).

Purpose of the Study:

• To simulate taphonomic agents and assess their impact on dental microwear.
• To investigate the effects of acidic, alkaline, and abrasive environments on tooth wear.
• To explain anomalous microscopic wear found on Pasalar hominoid fossils.

Main Methods:

• Experimental simulation of acid (citric, hydrochloric) exposure on dental microwear.
• Experimental simulation of alkaline (carbonatite ash) exposure on dental microwear.
• Experimental simulation of abrasion using three sediment sizes (pebbles, coarse sand, medium sand) from the Pasalar site.

Main Results:

• Acidic conditions (citric and hydrochloric acid) demonstrably altered dental microwear.
• Alkaline conditions (carbonatite ash) did not significantly modify microwear features.
• Sediment abrasion varied by particle size: pebbles polished enamel, coarse sand had no effect, and medium sand caused the most abrasion.

Conclusions:

• Taphonomic modification of dental microwear is identifiable and obliterates original features.
• Observed wear on Pasalar hominoids aligns with experimental acid erosion and medium-sand abrasion.
• Taphonomic agents must be considered when interpreting dental microwear for dietary reconstructions.