Search research articles

Search research articles

Related Experiment Videos

Human dental reduction: natural selection or the probable mutation effect.

J M Calcagno¹, K R Gibson

¹Department of Sociology/Anthropology, Loyola University of Chicago, Illinois 60626.

American Journal of Physical Anthropology

|December 1, 1988

Summary

This summary is machine-generated.

Related Concept Videos

You might also read

Related Articles

Articles linked to this work by shared authors, journal, and citation graph.

Sort by

Same author

First Searches for Axions and Axionlike Particles with the LUX Experiment.

Physical review letters·2017

Same author

Results from a Search for Dark Matter in the Complete LUX Exposure.

Physical review letters·2017

Same author

Improved Limits on Scattering of Weakly Interacting Massive Particles from Reanalysis of 2013 LUX Data.

Physical review letters·2016

Same author

Results on the Spin-Dependent Scattering of Weakly Interacting Massive Particles on Nucleons from the Run 3 Data of the LUX Experiment.

Physical review letters·2016

Same author

First results from the LUX dark matter experiment at the Sanford underground research facility.

Physical review letters·2014

Same author

Perceived tutor benefits of teaching near peers: insights from two near peer teaching programmes in South East Scotland.

Scottish medical journal·2013

ABOUT JoVE

Overview Leadership Blog JoVE Help Center

AUTHORS

Publishing Process Editorial Board Scope & Policies Peer Review FAQ Submit

LIBRARIANS

Testimonials Subscriptions Access Resources Library Advisory Board FAQ

RESEARCH

JoVE Journal Methods Collections JoVE Encyclopedia of Experiments Archive

EDUCATION

JoVE Core JoVE Business JoVE Science Education JoVE Lab Manual Faculty Resource Center Faculty Site

Terms & Conditions of Use

The probable mutation effect model does not explain human dental reduction. New models based on natural selection, integrating clinical and skeletal data, offer testable explanations for reduced tooth size.

Area of Science:

Anthropology
Evolutionary Biology
Dental Science

Background:

Dental reduction is a widespread phenomenon in human populations requiring scientific explanation.
The probable mutation effect (PME) model, suggesting relaxed selection leads to size reduction, is a controversial explanation for dental reduction.
Modern dental clinical experience challenges the premises of the PME model.

Purpose of the Study:

To critically evaluate the probable mutation effect (PME) model for human dental reduction.
To propose alternative, testable models of dental reduction based on natural selection.
To integrate clinical and skeletal data for a comprehensive understanding of hominid dental evolution.

Main Methods:

Analysis of modern dental clinical data, including enzyme defects and dental infection predispositions.

Related Experiment Videos

Evaluation of the PME model's premises against empirical evidence.

Development of natural selection-based models for dental reduction.

Integration of clinical findings with skeletal data from archaeological and fossil records.

Main Results:

The PME model is found to be inconsistent with modern dental clinical observations.
Factors such as enzyme defects, dental infections, and detrimental effects of extreme tooth sizes challenge the PME.
Natural selection-based models provide a more logical and testable framework for explaining dental reduction.
The integration of diverse data sources enhances the understanding of dental reduction patterns.

Conclusions:

The probable mutation effect is an inadequate explanation for human dental reduction.
Natural selection models, supported by clinical and skeletal evidence, offer superior, testable explanations for reduced tooth size.
A multidisciplinary approach is crucial for understanding evolutionary changes in dental morphology.