Abstract
Based on a roentgenographic analysis, the molar enamel of certain European Miocene dryopithecines is absolutely thick (r=1.03–1.30 mm in thickness); the molar enamel of certain European pliopithecines is thin (r=0.32–0.82 mm thick). The rank order for enamel thickness in extant hominoids (from thickest to thinnest) is confirmed to beHomo, Pongo, Gorilla, Pan, andHylobates. There is a great deal of enamel thickness variability within the great ape sample. Extant analogues suggest that dryopithecines were probably adapted to a frugivorous/gramnivorous dietary regimen, while pliopithecines were probably better suited to folivory.
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Nagatoshi, K. Molar enamel thickness in European Miocene and extant hominoidea. International Journal of Primatology 11, 283–295 (1990). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02193001
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02193001