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Updated: May 7, 2026
07:26
Systematic Assessment of Mammalian Skull Specimens for Dental and Temporomandibular Joint Pathology
Published on: August 22, 2022
The role of teeth in human evolution
1University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, T6G 1C9, Canada.
British Dental Journal
|September 28, 2013
Summary
New dating techniques and fossil analysis reveal shifts in ancient human diets and oral bacteria. DNA from dental plaque and pulp also sheds light on population genetics and migration patterns.
Area of Science:
- Paleoanthropology
- Archaeogenetics
- Paleoproteomics
Background:
- Understanding human evolution necessitates examining past diets and population dynamics.
- Technological advancements offer novel ways to analyze ancient biological samples.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review recent insights into palaeodiets and human population history.
- To highlight the application of new analytical techniques in paleoanthropology.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of attritional wear patterns on fossil enamel.
- Spectroscopic and radiometric dating of human fossils.
- DNA sequencing of ancient dental plaque and pulpal tissue.
Main Results:
- Fossilized dental plaque shows distinct dietary content and oral microbiota between Neolithic and Industrial populations.
- DNA analysis of dental pulp provides evidence for hereditary relationships and human gene flow.
Conclusions:
- Modern analytical methods provide unprecedented detail on ancient human diets and population movements.
- Dental remains are a rich source of information for reconstructing palaeodiets and human evolutionary history.
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