Hard-object feeding in sooty mangabeys (Cercocebus atys) and interpretation of early hominin feeding ecology.

ABSTRACT: Morphology of the dentofacial complex of early hominins has figured prominently in the inference of their dietary adaptations. Recent theoretical analysis of craniofacial morphology of Australopithecus africanus proposes that skull form in this taxon represents adaptation to feeding on large, hard objects. A modern analog for this specific dietary specialization is provided by the West African sooty mangabey, Cercocebus atys. This species habitually feeds on the large, exceptionally hard nuts of Sacoglottis gabonensis, stereotypically crushing the seed casings using their premolars and molars. This type of behavior has been inferred for A. africanus based on mathematical stress analysis and aspects of dental wear and morphology. While postcanine megadontia, premolar enlargement and thick m

SUBMITTER: Daegling DJ 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3162570 | biostudies-literature | 2011

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature