Microwear, mechanics and the feeding adaptations of Australopithecus africanus

David S. Strait (Corresponding author), Gerhard Weber, Paul Constantino, Peter W Lucas, Brian G. Richmond, Mark A . Spencer, Paul C. Dechow, Callum F. Ross, Ian R. Grosse, Barth W Wright, Bernard A. Wood, Qian Wang, Craig D. Byron, Dennis E. Slice

Publications: Contribution to journalArticlePeer Reviewed

Abstract

Recent studies of dental microwear and craniofacial mechanics have yielded contradictory interpretations regarding the feeding ecology and adaptations of Australopithecus africanus. As part of this debate, the methods used in the mechanical studies have been criticized. In particular, it has been claimed that finite element analysis has been poorly applied to this research question. This paper responds to some of these mechanical criticisms, highlights limitations of dental microwear analysis, and identifies avenues of future research.
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)165-168
Number of pages4
JournalJournal of Human Evolution
Volume62
Issue number1
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2012

Austrian Fields of Science 2012

  • 1060 Biology

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