Among Apes, Teeth Are Made for the Toughest Times
GW Research Scientist Dr. Paul Constantino discovers the teeth of some apes are formed primarily to handle the most stressful times when food is scarce
The teeth of some apes are formed primarily to handle the most stressful times when food is scarce, according to new research performed at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). The findings, published in this month’s “American Journal of Physical Anthropology,” imply that if humanity is serious about protecting its close evolutionary cousins, the food apes eat during these tough periods – and where they find it – must be included in conservation efforts.
The interdisciplinary team, which brought together anthropologists from George Washington University (GW) and fracture mechanics experts from NIST, has provided the first evidence that natural selection in three ape species has favored individuals whose teeth can most easily handle the “fallback foods” they choose when their preferred fare is less available. All of these apes – gorillas, orangutans and chimpanzees – favor a diet of fruit whenever possible. But when fruit disappears from their usual foraging grounds, each species responds in a different way – and has developed teeth formed to reflect the differences.
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Out of the Mouths of Apes: Teeth Provide Insight on Evolution
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