Non-masticatory uses of anterior teeth of Sima de los Huesos individuals (Sierra de Atapuerca, Spain)

J Hum Evol. 2008 Oct;55(4):713-28. doi: 10.1016/j.jhevol.2008.04.007. Epub 2008 Jul 10.

Abstract

In this study we examine the labial and occlusal surfaces of incisors and canines of hominins recovered from the Sima de los Huesos (SH), middle Pleistocene site, in order to establish the possible extra-masticatory use of anterior teeth. We have compared the microwear of these fossils with microwear from the anterior teeth of Australian Aborigines, a population characterized by ethnographic evidence of the use of their teeth as a third hand. These two samples of teeth were microscopically analyzed using Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). Our results support the "cultural" origin of microwear observed on fossil teeth: we conclude that the SH hominins used their anterior teeth as a "third hand" for para- or extra-masticatory activities.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study
  • Historical Article
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Animals
  • Behavior / physiology*
  • Child
  • Child, Preschool
  • Cuspid / anatomy & histology*
  • Cuspid / ultrastructure
  • Female
  • Fossils*
  • History, Ancient
  • Hominidae / anatomy & histology*
  • Hominidae / physiology*
  • Humans
  • Incisor / anatomy & histology*
  • Incisor / ultrastructure
  • Male
  • Mastication
  • Microscopy, Electron, Scanning
  • Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander
  • Paleodontology
  • Spain
  • Young Adult