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Dental microwear features as an indicator for plant food in early hominids: A preliminary study of enamel

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Human Evolution

Abstract

Studies of dental microwear have shown qualitative and quantitative differences related with specific diets of mammals. Here we report a classification of the features of microwear and the results of a comparative study of the characteristics of wear produced by plant food. Species which are mainly folivorous or herbivorous show common features useful for providing information about the diet of early hominids at Garusi and Laetoli (Tanzania), Hadar (Ethiopia) and Olduvai (Tanzania).

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Puech, P., Cianfarani, F. & Albertini, H. Dental microwear features as an indicator for plant food in early hominids: A preliminary study of enamel. Hum. Evol. 1, 507–515 (1986). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02437467

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02437467

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