Evaluation of enamel of extinct lemurs has revealed fascinating clues to the evolution of people, a College of Otago research has discovered.
Lead writer Dr Ian Towle, of the Sir John Walsh Analysis Institute within the School of Dentistry, says the “surprisingly giant” monkey lemur, Archaeolemur, had novel anatomical options not seen in dwelling lemurs, equivalent to missing a ‘tooth comb’ within the entrance of the mouth for grooming.
“These extinct lemurs are so totally different to these alive right now. In addition they present fascinating similarities to monkeys and apes, together with people,” he says.
The research, revealed within the American Journal of Organic Anthropology, aimed to evaluate the food plan of Archaeolemur by analysing chipping in 447 enamel, evaluating chipping frequencies to these of different primates.
The outcomes had been stunning — with these exceptional extinct lemurs with dentitions resembling baboons in form; however presenting tooth chipping patterns just like fossil hominins equivalent to Neanderthals.
“Archaeolemur tooth chipping patterns are in contrast to any dwelling primate, with their entrance enamel displaying substantial fractures, typically with quite a few tooth chips on a single tooth, but little or no chipping on their again enamel.
“Related tooth fracture patterns are noticed in fossil hominins, equivalent to Neanderthals. Usually, in Neanderthals these fracture patterns are considered associated to tool-use behaviours,” Dr Towle says.
The outcomes match with earlier analysis on Archaeolemur, specifically proof that their giant and sturdy entrance enamel might have been used to course of a food plan containing onerous and hard meals.
Dr Towle thinks the research raises the “fascinating risk” that stone instruments don’t essentially clarify the excessive charge of fractures on Neanderthal enamel.
“Archaeolemur reveals related tooth chipping patterns, but there isn’t a proof to counsel they had been able to, or used, such instruments.
“Learning extinct primates not solely supplies essential perception into their food plan and behavior, but in addition elucidates our personal evolutionary historical past.”
Given the overlap in cranium and dental form, and potential similarities in food plan and behavior, it’s maybe not stunning that Archaeolemur was considered an ape when first found in Madagascar over 100 years in the past.
“Archaeolemur is a superb instance of convergent evolution, displaying exceptional similarities to monkeys and apes. This species additionally highlights the extent to which lemurs in Madagascar diversified into quite a lot of ecological niches.”
Dr Carolina Loch, additionally from Sir John Walsh Analysis Institute, and who mentored Dr Towle throughout his tenure as postdoctoral fellow on the SJWRI, says the analysis is one other nice instance of the “breadth and depth of multidisciplinary analysis” on the School of Dentistry.
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