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Canine reduction in the miocene hominoid Oreopithecus bambolii: behavioural and evolutionary implications
D M Alba1, S Moyà-Solà, M Köhler
1Institut de Paleontologia M. Crusafont, c/ Escola Industrial 23, Barcelona, 08201 Sabadell, Spain. dmalba@eresmas.com
Journal of Human Evolution
|January 5, 2001
Summary
Fossil hominoid Oreopithecus bambolii shows canine reduction, resembling pygmy chimpanzees. This microdontia may be linked to developmental constraints and paedomorphic traits, not just behavior.
Area of Science:
- Paleoanthropology
- Primate Evolution
- Dental Morphology
Background:
- Canine size and sexual dimorphism in primates are linked to behavior.
- Oreopithecus bambolii is a fossil hominoid from the Late Miocene of Italy.
- Previous studies suggested paedomorphic cranial morphology in Oreopithecus.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate canine size sexual dimorphism and relative canine size in Oreopithecus bambolii.
- To compare Oreopithecus' dental morphology with extant hominoids and its ancestor Dryopithecus.
- To investigate potential mechanisms for canine reduction in Oreopithecus.
Main Methods:
- Allometric techniques were used to analyze canine and molar size.
- Body mass estimates were applied to fossil species.
- Comparative analysis with living anthropoid primates was conducted.
Main Results:
- Oreopithecus displayed significant canine height sexual dimorphism.
- Oreopithecus males were microdont (smaller teeth than expected) compared to most hominoids and Dryopithecus.
- Canine reduction in Oreopithecus, particularly basal area, resembled Pan paniscus.
Conclusions:
- Canine reduction in Oreopithecus may be an aspect of generalized microdontia, possibly an adaptive response to paedomorphic reduction of prognathism.
- This mechanism, linked to developmental constraints, offers a novel explanation for canine reduction in anthropoid primates.
- While behavioral changes cannot be ruled out, developmental factors provide a significant alternative interpretation.