DOI
https://doi.org/10.25772/SP3K-YQ98
Defense Date
2016
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Science
Department
Biology
First Advisor
Amy Rector Verrelli
Second Advisor
Brian Verrelli
Abstract
Dental morphology and tooth shape have been used to recreate the
dietary adaptations for extinct species, and thus dental variation can provide
information on the relationship between fossil species and their
paleoenvironments. Variation in living species with known behaviors can provide
a baseline for interpreting morphology, and behavior, in the fossil record.
Tooth occlusal surface outlines in hominins and non-hominin primates, and other
mammals, have been used for assessments of taxonomic significance, with
variability often considered as being primarily phylogenetic. Few studies have
attempted to assess how diet might influence the pattern of variability in closely
related species. Here the occlusal surface shape variability in anterior and postcanine
maxillary dentition in primates is measured to assess whether the
relationship between diet and variability is consistent.
Data were collected from five non-hominin primates in a range of dietary
categories, as well as two hominin species, including the derived Paranthropus
robustus and a gracile australopith. Mapping a series of 50 sliding semilandmarks
based on 2-D photographs using tpsDig software, occlusal surfaces
were outlined. Thereafter, outline shapes were quantified using Elliptical Fourier
Functional Analysis, and principle components and multivariate analyses were
preformed to explore the pattern of intra and interspecific variability in occlusal
outlines.These results suggest that there is not a clear relationship between dietary
feeding adaptations for all categories examined and selection for larger
premolars and molars, as well as smaller incisors, led to less variation in both
anterior and post-canine teeth of the fossil hominin Paranthropus robustus.
Rights
© The Author
Is Part Of
VCU University Archives
Is Part Of
VCU Theses and Dissertations
Date of Submission
12-14-2016