Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 4, 2026
07:57
Sampling and Pretreatment of Tooth Enamel Carbonate for Stable Carbon and Oxygen Isotope Analysis
Published on: August 15, 2018
Three-dimensional molar enamel distribution and thickness in Australopithecus and Paranthropus
A J Olejniczak1, T M Smith, M M Skinner
1Department of Human Evolution, Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology, Leipzig, Germany. olejniczak@eva.mpg.de
Biology Letters
|June 5, 2008
Summary
Three-dimensional analysis reveals molar enamel in Australopithecus africanus and Paranthropus robustus is not as thick as previously thought. Two-dimensional measurements are unreliable for assessing hominin molar enamel thickness.
Area of Science:
- Paleoanthropology
- Dental Microwear Analysis
- Hominin Evolution
Background:
- Molar enamel thickness is a key diagnostic trait for hominin fossil identification.
- Previous studies characterized Paranthropus molars as 'hyper-thick' based on limited 2D data.
- Accurate whole-crown enamel thickness measurements are crucial for understanding hominin paleobiology.
Purpose of the Study:
- To accurately measure whole-crown molar enamel thickness in Australopithecus africanus and Paranthropus robustus using 3D microtomography.
- To compare 3D enamel thickness data with previous 2D measurements.
- To evaluate the reliability of 2D cross-sections as proxies for 3D enamel thickness in australopiths.
Main Methods:
- Utilized microtomographic methods for precise 3D reconstruction of fossil hominin molars.
- Quantified the distribution of enamel thickness across the entire molar crown.
- Analyzed enamel thickness patterns in Australopithecus africanus and Paranthropus robustus specimens.
Main Results:
- Both Australopithecus africanus and Paranthropus robustus exhibit relatively thick enamel, but less so than previously indicated by 2D studies.
- Three-dimensional measurements reveal Paranthropus robustus enamel is not 'hyper-thick'.
- Two-dimensional measurements exaggerate enamel thickness in Australopithecus africanus and Paranthropus robustus, rendering them unreliable proxies.
Conclusions:
- Three-dimensional enamel thickness distribution provides a more accurate assessment of hominin dental morphology.
- Previous 2D methods for measuring australopith molar enamel thickness are not reliable.
- 3D enamel thickness patterns offer greater insight into functional adaptations than summary measures.
Related Concept Videos
01:15Teeth
The formation of teeth, also known as odontogenesis, is a complex process that begins in utero, around the sixth week of embryonic development. There are three stages to this process: the bud stage, the cap stage, and the bell stage.
In the bud stage, the tooth germ (an aggregation of cells) starts to form in the developing jawbone. During the cap stage, the tooth germ differentiates into enamel organ, dental papilla, and dental sac, which will later develop into the tooth's enamel, dentin and...
In the bud stage, the tooth germ (an aggregation of cells) starts to form in the developing jawbone. During the cap stage, the tooth germ differentiates into enamel organ, dental papilla, and dental sac, which will later develop into the tooth's enamel, dentin and...
01:21Tooth Anatomy
The human tooth enables us to eat a variety of foods, speak clearly, and even aid in shaping our faces. Teeth are composed of various elements that work together. Here's a detailed look at the anatomy of a human tooth.
The Crown, Neck, and Root
The visible part of the tooth is referred to as the crown. It's covered by enamel, the hardest substance in the human body. The crown is uniquely shaped for each type of tooth, allowing for different functions such as cutting, tearing, or grinding food.
The Crown, Neck, and Root
The visible part of the tooth is referred to as the crown. It's covered by enamel, the hardest substance in the human body. The crown is uniquely shaped for each type of tooth, allowing for different functions such as cutting, tearing, or grinding food.
01:27Cranial Bones: Lateral View
The lateral view of the cranium is dominated by temporal, sphenoid, and ethmoid bones.
The temporal bone forms the lower lateral side of the skull. The temporal bone is subdivided into several regions. The flattened upper portion is the squamous portion of the temporal bone. Below this area and projecting anteriorly is the zygomatic process of the temporal bone, which forms the posterior portion of the zygomatic arch. Posteriorly is the mastoid portion of the temporal bone. Projecting...
The temporal bone forms the lower lateral side of the skull. The temporal bone is subdivided into several regions. The flattened upper portion is the squamous portion of the temporal bone. Below this area and projecting anteriorly is the zygomatic process of the temporal bone, which forms the posterior portion of the zygomatic arch. Posteriorly is the mastoid portion of the temporal bone. Projecting...