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A solution to the worn tooth conundrum in primate functional anatomy.
Peter S Ungar1, Francis M'Kirera
1Department of Anthropology, Old Main 330, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, AR 72701, USA. pungar@uark.edu
Summary
Paleobiologists can now study worn fossil primate teeth to reconstruct ancient diets. New methods using laser scanning reveal consistent tooth shape differences despite wear, aiding dietary analysis.
Area of Science:
- Paleobiology
- Primate Paleontology
- Dental Functional Anatomy
Background:
- Worn teeth are common in fossil assemblages but traditionally excluded from dietary analyses.
- Previous studies focused on unworn primate teeth, limiting the number of species analyzed.
- Reconstructing diets of extinct primates is crucial for understanding their adaptive radiation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To introduce a novel method for analyzing worn primate teeth.
- To enable the inclusion of worn teeth in functional and dietary reconstructions.
- To expand the scope of paleodietary studies in fossil primates.
Main Methods:
- Utilizing laser scanning technology to characterize occlusal morphology.
- Applying geographic information systems (GIS) technologies for comparative analysis.
- Examining variably worn molar teeth from chimpanzees and gorillas.
Main Results:
- Tooth shape differences between species remain consistent at various wear stages.
- Cusp slope decreases with wear, but angularity values remain stable.
- African ape teeth exhibit wear patterns that maintain mechanical efficiency for food processing.
Conclusions:
- Worn teeth can be reliably analyzed to reconstruct primate diets.
- This method significantly broadens the potential for studying fossil primate feeding adaptations.
- Understanding dental-wear patterns offers new insights into primate evolution and adaptation.