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New perspectives on chimpanzee and human molar crown development

  • T. M. Smith
  • , D. J. Reid
  • , M. C. Dean
  • , A. J. Olejniczak
  • , R. J. Ferrell
  • , L. B. Martin
  • Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology
  • Newcastle University
  • University College London
  • Howard University

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingChapterpeer-review

53 Scopus citations

Abstract

Previous histological studies of small samples of chimpanzee and human molars suggested similarities in crown formation time, which is surprising given substantial life history differences. As part of an on-going study of hominoid molar development, we report on the largest-known sample of chimpanzee and human molars, including re-evaluation of previously examined histological sections. Variation of incremental features within and between genera is examined, including Retzius line periodicity, daily secretion rate, and Retzius line number. Differences due to population-level variation and sexual dimorphism are also considered. Significant increasing trends in daily secretion rates were found from inner to outer cuspal enamel, ranging from approximately 3–5 microns/day in chimpanzees. Humans demonstrate slightly lower and higher mean values at the beginning and end of cuspal formation, respectively, but both genera show an overall average of approximately 4 microns/day. Retzius line periodicity ranges from 6–7 days within chimpanzees and 6–12 days within humans. Within upper molars, mesiopalatal cusps (protocones) show thicker cuspal enamel and longer crown formation time than mesiobuccal cusps (paracones). Within lower molars, mesiobuccal cusps (protoconids) show greater Retzius line numbers, longer imbricational formation time, and thicker cuspal enamel than mesiolingual cusps (metaconids), resulting in longer formation times. A negative correlation was found between Retzius line number and periodicity in the human sample, resulting in similar crown formation times within cusp types, despite the range of individual periodicities. Few sex differences were found, but a number of developmental differences were apparent among human populations. Cusp-specific formation time in chimpanzees ranges from 2–3 years on average. Within specific cusp types, humans show greater average formation times than chimpanzees, due to higher mean periodicity values and/or thicker cuspal enamel. However, formation time within specific cusp types varies considerably, and the two genera show overlapping ranges, which has implications for the interpretation of small samples.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationVertebrate Paleobiology and Paleoanthropology
PublisherSpringer
Pages177-192
Number of pages16
Edition9781402058448
DOIs
StatePublished - 2007

Publication series

NameVertebrate Paleobiology and Paleoanthropology
Number9781402058448
ISSN (Print)1877-9077

Keywords

  • Cross-striation
  • Crown formation time
  • Dental development
  • Enamel thickness
  • Hominid evolution
  • Hominoid evolution
  • Incremental feature
  • Molar development
  • Periodicity
  • Retzius line

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