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Related Concept Videos

Tooth Anatomy01:21

Tooth 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.
Teeth01:15

Teeth

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...
Assessment of the Mouth01:26

Assessment of the Mouth

A thorough mouth assessment, including inspection and palpation of the lips, gums, tongue, tonsils, uvula, and pharynx, is crucial in detecting potential health issues. Diseases ranging from oral cancer to systemic conditions like diabetes could be identified early through careful oral examination. This article provides a detailed guide on conducting a comprehensive mouth assessment.
Mouth Inspection
The inspection begins with visually examining the mouth for symmetry, color, and size.

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 9, 2026

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Premolar microwear and tooth use in Australopithecus afarensis.

Lucas K Delezene1, Melissa S Zolnierz, Mark F Teaford

  • 1Department of Anthropology, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, AR 72701, USA. delezene@uark.edu

Journal of Human Evolution
|July 16, 2013
PubMed
Summary

Australopithecus afarensis P3 microwear analysis reveals no evidence of hard object processing or functional changes over time. This study indicates their premolars and molars were not routinely used for tough foods.

Keywords:
Australopithecus africanusCercocebus atysHadarHard objectHominin dietLaetoli

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Area of Science:

  • Paleoanthropology
  • Dental Microwear Analysis
  • Hominin Evolution

Background:

  • The mandibular third premolar (P3) in Australopithecus afarensis exhibits significant morphological variability and intermediate features between earlier hominins and later australopiths, suggesting early stages of molarization.
  • Previous research indicates distinct P3 morphologies in hominin lineages, with A. afarensis showing transitional characteristics.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate changes in the role of the P3 in food processing within A. afarensis by examining Phase II microwear.
  • To assess functional differentiation along the tooth row by comparing P3 and molar microwear.
  • To determine if microwear analysis can identify changes in the P3-maxillary canine occlusal relationship in early Australopithecus by examining mesial protoconid crest microwear.

Main Methods:

  • Dental microwear analysis of P3 Phase II facets in A. afarensis, compared with Australopithecus africanus and Cercocebus atys.
  • Comparison of P3 Phase II microwear textures with molar microwear textures in A. afarensis.
  • Examination of microwear on the mesial protoconid crest of A. afarensis P3s and comparison with Pan troglodytes.

Main Results:

  • A. afarensis P3 and molar Phase II facets show less complex microwear than A. africanus or C. atys.
  • While P3 and molar Phase II textures differ in A. afarensis, the difference is less pronounced than in taxa consuming hard or tough items.
  • Microwear on the A. afarensis P3 mesial protoconid crest is distinct from Pan troglodytes, indicating no equivalent honing mechanism.
  • Little temporal change was observed in A. afarensis P3 microwear on either the mesial or Phase II facets.

Conclusions:

  • There is no evidence that A. afarensis routinely processed hard objects using their premolars or molars.
  • The function of the A. afarensis P3 did not significantly change over the studied time range.
  • The distinct microwear patterns suggest A. afarensis had a different dietary or functional regime compared to hard-object specialists and chimpanzees.