Comparative study of anterior dental microwear textures in primates

Team Members:  Putu Pujantari, Lucas Delezene, Peter S. Ungar, Mark Teaford, Mike Plavcan

Funding Source: LSB Leakey Foundation

Most studies of dental microwear texture focus on molar teeth.  This project aims to assess whether different patterns of ingestive behavior leave distinguishable and distinctive patterns of microscopic scratches and pits in incisors and canines of extant primates.  The ultimate goal is to establish a comparative baseline series matching anterior dental microwear patterns with behaviors that can be used to interpret patterns seen in fossil teeth of early hominins and other extinct primates.