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Related Experiment Videos

Evolution of P3 morphology in Australopithecus afarensis.

W R Leonard, M Hegmon

    American Journal of Physical Anthropology
    |May 1, 1987
    PubMed
    Summary

    Australopithecus afarensis lower third premolars (P3) show significant variation, with males exhibiting more molarization over time, suggesting selection for grinding and distinct niche exploitation between sexes.

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    Area of Science:

    • Paleoanthropology
    • Primatology
    • Evolutionary Biology

    Background:

    • The study investigates dental variation in Australopithecus afarensis, focusing on the lower third premolar (P3).
    • Understanding P3 morphology variation is crucial for reconstructing hominin evolutionary history and dietary adaptations.

    Observation:

    • The Australopithecus afarensis P3 sample displays a wide range of morphological variation, from primitive sectorial to derived molarized forms.
    • This variation exceeds that observed in modern chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes).
    • A trend towards increased molarization is observed over time within the A. afarensis sample.

    Findings:

    • The single species hypothesis for A. afarensis is supported by metric criteria.
    • Both male and female A. afarensis P3s show greater variation than chimpanzees.
    • Male A. afarensis P3s exhibit a stronger trend toward molarization compared to females.

    Implications:

    • Increased molarization suggests selection for grinding capabilities in Australopithecus afarensis.
    • Sexual dimorphism in P3 morphology parallels postcranial evidence, supporting models of sex-specific niche exploitation.
    • Females may have retained more primitive traits and exploited arboreal environments, while males displayed derived traits associated with terrestrial adaptations.

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