A study conducted by the University of Otago discovered intriguing hints about human development by examining the teeth of wiped-out lemurs.
Lead creator Dr. Ian Towle, of the Sir John Walsh Exploration Foundation in the School of Dentistry, says the “shockingly huge” monkey lemur, Archaeolemur, had novel physical elements not found in living lemurs, for example, without a “tooth brush” toward the front of the mouth for prepping.
“These wiped-out lemurs are so unique to those alive today. “They likewise show entrancing likenesses to monkeys and chimpanzees, including people,” he says.
The review, distributed in the American Diary of Natural Humanities, was meant to survey the eating regimen of Archaeolemur by examining 447 of its teeth and contrasting chipping frequencies with those of different primates.
The outcomes were amazing, with these striking wiped-out lemurs with dentitions looking like monkeys in shape, yet introducing tooth chipping designs like fossil hominins like Neanderthals.
“Archaeolemur tooth chipping designs are not normal for any living primate, with their front teeth showing significant breaks, frequently with various tooth chips on a solitary tooth, yet very little chipping on their back teeth.”
“Similar patterns of tooth fracture have been documented in fossil hominins such as Neanderthals. These fracture patterns are assumed to be related to tool-use activities in Neanderthals.”
Dr. Ian Towle, of the Sir John Walsh Research Institute in the Faculty of Dentistry,
“Comparable tooth crack examples are seen in fossil hominins, like Neanderthals.” “Commonly, in Neanderthals, these break designs are believed to be connected with device-use ways of behaving,” Dr. Towle says.
The findings are consistent with previous research on Archaeolemurs, specifically evidence that their large and strong front teeth may have been used to manage an eating regimen containing hard and extreme food sources.
Dr. Towle thinks the review raises the “entrancing chance” that stone devices can’t be guaranteed to make sense of the great pace of cracks on Neanderthal teeth.
“Archaeolemur shows comparable tooth chipping designs, yet there is no proof to suggest they were able to do or utilize such devices.”
“A focus on wiped-out primates not only provides vital information about their eating habits and behavior, but it also explains our own developmental history.”
Given the similarities in skull and dental shape, as well as diet and behavior, it’s not surprising that Archaeolemur was initially thought to be a chimp when it was discovered in Madagascar.
“Archaeolemur is a splendid illustration of united development, showing striking likenesses to monkeys and chimps. This species likewise features the degree to which lemurs in Madagascar expanded into various natural specialties.
More information: Ian Towle et al, Tooth chipping patterns in Archaeolemur provide insight into diet and behavior, American Journal of Biological Anthropology (2022). DOI: 10.1002/ajpa.24674
