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Enamel thickness, microstructure and development in Afropithecus turkanensis.
Tanya M Smith1, Lawrence B Martin, Meave G Leakey
1Interdepartmental Doctoral Program in Anthropological Sciences, Department of Anthropology, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY 11794-4364, USA. tasmith@notes.cc.sunysb.edu
Journal of Human Evolution
|March 27, 2003
Summary
Afropithecus turkanensis, an ancient ape, had relatively thick enamel, similar to modern humans. This study analyzed its enamel microstructure and crown formation time, offering insights into hominoid evolution.
Area of Science:
- Paleoanthropology
- Primatology
- Dental Microwear Analysis
Background:
- Afropithecus turkanensis is a 17-17.5 million-year-old hominoid from Kenya.
- Previous studies on Miocene ape enamel thickness were limited.
- Comparative dental development studies inform hominoid evolution.
Purpose of the Study:
- Quantify enamel thickness and microstructure in Afropithecus turkanensis second molars.
- Provide insights into enamel apposition rates and crown formation times.
- Compare these features with other extant and fossil hominoids.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of enamel thickness and microstructure in two Afropithecus turkanensis second molars.
- Quantification of enamel apposition rates and cellular activity.
- Determination of crown formation times.
Main Results:
- Average relative enamel thickness is 21.4, which is thick compared to extant apes but lower than previous estimates for this species.
- Enamel microstructure shows similarities to Proconsul, Dryopithecus, Lufengpithecus, Graecopithecus, and Pongo.
- Crown formation times range from 2.4-2.6 years and 2.9-3.1 years, comparable to some extant and fossil hominoids.
Conclusions:
- Afropithecus turkanensis possessed relatively thick enamel, a trait shared with some Miocene hominoids and fossil hominids.
- Thick enamel development in these species may involve rapid enamel secretion and a shorter total crown formation time.
- These findings contribute to understanding the evolution of dental development in hominoids over the past 20 million years.