Teeth / Jaw

Diet

Continue on to Set # 16C

the lower jaw =

mandible

related term:“mandibular torus”

The jaw . . .

in apes mandibles slant outward and downward,

without a chin

(“prognathism”)

Understanding Physical Anthropology and Archaeology, 8th ed., p. 245

Pongid Prognathism.

(Line of greatest muscle force is shown in red.)

The jaw . . .

in humans lower jaw is comparatively small, but

always has a distinct chin

Modern human cranium.Understanding Physical Anthropology and Archaeology, 9th ed., p. 432

The teeth . . .

apes have a “simian shelf” rather than a chin

The teeth . . .

ape teeth have cusp patterns for the lower molars similar to those

of humans . . .

The teeth . . .

rather than a “plus-4” pattern . . .

apes have a “Y-5” pattern

plus-4

Y-5

Y-5

The teeth . . .

apes (and monkeys) still possess conical,

daggerish canines which project well beyond the surface of the opposite

teeth . . .

The teeth . . .

apes (and monkeys) have diastemata, spaces opposite the large canine teeth . . .

(“diastemata” = plural of “diastema”)

The teeth . . .

diastema =

a space in the tooth row that

accommodates one or more

teeth from the opposite jaw

Teeth of a male patas monkey.Understanding Physical Anthropology and Archaeology, 9th ed., p. 205

The teeth . . .

both apes and humans have

8 incisors I

4 canines C 8 premolars P12 molars M

abbreviations

The teeth . . .

both apes and humans have the same “dental formula”

2.1.2.3. 2.1.2.3.

Donald Johanson and Maitland Edey, Lucy: The Beginnings of Humankind. NY: Simon & Schuster, 1981.

Dental formulae

Understanding Physical Anthropology and Archaeology, 9th ed., p. 120

The teeth . . .

apes have a “U”-shaped jaw . . .

The teeth . . .

in humans the plate is arched and curves

outward at the back (parabolic arch) . . .

The teeth . . .

the overall evolutionary trend is toward smaller

teeth

Next: Other ChangesContinue on to Set # 16D

Understanding Physical Anthropology and Archaeology, 9th ed., p. 136