Microwear textures of Australopithecus africanus and Paranthropus robustus molars in relation to paleoenvironment and diet.

摘要: Abstract The importance of diet in primate ecology has motivated the use a variety methods to reconstruct dietary habits extinct hominin taxa. Dental microwear is one such approach that preserves evidence from consumed food items. This study based on 44 specimens Australopithecus africanus Makapansgat and Sterkfontein, 66 Paranthropus robustus Swartkrans, Kromdraai Drimolen. These samples enable examination potential differences between two assemblages A. africanus, among various P. robustus relation paleoenvironmental reconstructions have been proffered for each fossil site. Sixteen texture variables were recorded specimen digital elevation models generated using white-light confocal profiler. Only these differ significantly Sterkfontein A. africanus. None differs P. robustus. On other hand, higher values than A. africanus 11 related feature complexity, size, depth; exhibits rougher surfaces comprise larger, deeper features. In contrast, smoother, simpler wear with smaller, shallower more anisotropic As possible habitat sites, only relatively small number subtle are evident there none deposits. such, it reasonable conclude that, while textures may reflect background habitats, fabric most reasonably interpreted as having driven by differences.