During the Miocene, primates in Europe were widely distributed and highly diverse. Since the early 19th century numerous species have been described. Due to their high potential for taphonomical conservation dental remains are among the fossil remains better used for the reconstruction of their ecology and phylogeny. The main aim of this study was to explore the differences among dental elements of Miocene primates using odontometrics. Odontometrics is a useful tool for investigating variation among primates and characterizing their possible dietary patterns. For such a purpose, dental elements belonging to a selection of Miocene primates from Europe were measured. The included taxa belong to fossil species of the families Hominidae (Dryopithecus, Oreopithecus), Pliopithecidae (Pliopithecus), and Cercopithecidae (Mesopithecus). Only unworn or nearly unworn teeth belonging to mature specimens were considered. According to previously established protocols, two measurements were taken on the crown, buccolingual width (B-L) and mesiodistal length (M- D). Although numerous species possessed specializations, they share traits like small incisors or narrow but long lower molars. The results also show differences that may be related to diverse diets among the studied taxa and to the different patterns of sexual dimorphism.
Odontometric characteristics of the European Miocene primates
Weronika Karolina Cieszynska
2023-01-01
Abstract
During the Miocene, primates in Europe were widely distributed and highly diverse. Since the early 19th century numerous species have been described. Due to their high potential for taphonomical conservation dental remains are among the fossil remains better used for the reconstruction of their ecology and phylogeny. The main aim of this study was to explore the differences among dental elements of Miocene primates using odontometrics. Odontometrics is a useful tool for investigating variation among primates and characterizing their possible dietary patterns. For such a purpose, dental elements belonging to a selection of Miocene primates from Europe were measured. The included taxa belong to fossil species of the families Hominidae (Dryopithecus, Oreopithecus), Pliopithecidae (Pliopithecus), and Cercopithecidae (Mesopithecus). Only unworn or nearly unworn teeth belonging to mature specimens were considered. According to previously established protocols, two measurements were taken on the crown, buccolingual width (B-L) and mesiodistal length (M- D). Although numerous species possessed specializations, they share traits like small incisors or narrow but long lower molars. The results also show differences that may be related to diverse diets among the studied taxa and to the different patterns of sexual dimorphism.I documenti in IRIS sono protetti da copyright e tutti i diritti sono riservati, salvo diversa indicazione.
