Ancient Primate Teeth Suggest Soft-Food Diets Dominated Early Menus

Soft Food Prevalence in Ancient Primate Diets Revealed by Tooth Analysis

New research on fossilized primate teeth, approximately 29 to 35 million years old, provides insights into the dietary habits of early primates. The study, published in the American Journal of Biological Anthropology, focused on over 400 teeth from five primate genera, including Propliopithecus, Apidium, and Aegyptopithecus, found in the Fayum Depression in Egypt. The remarkably low incidence of tooth fractures, just 5%, hints at a diet primarily consisting of soft foods, particularly fruits.

Dietary Patterns Inferred from Dental Analysis

Dental anthropologist Ian Towle and his colleagues conducted a comprehensive analysis, examining visible fractures on the ancient teeth. The findings indicate that only 21 teeth, or 5% of the total, showed evidence of chipping. 

Ancient Chinese Dental Issues Shed Light on Agricultural Boom 5000 Years Ago

This rate aligns with the lower end of tooth damage observed in living primates, ranging from 4 to 40 percent, depending on dietary habits. For instance, species like the sooty mangabey, consuming hard foods, may exhibit fractures on up to half of their teeth, while soft-food consumers like chimpanzees have less than 10 percent chipped teeth.

The presence of cavities in two Propliopithecus individuals further supports the notion that sweet fruits constituted a significant part of their diet. Dental anthropologist Debra Guatelli-Steinberg notes that while cavities align with the historical inclusion of fruits in primate diets, the absence of tooth fractures doesn’t always perfectly correlate with dietary preferences. The study introduces a degree of uncertainty, considering the variations observed in tooth shape analysis and wear patterns from previous studies.

Unraveling Dietary Disparities and Unanswered Questions

Despite the clarity provided by tooth chipping over extended periods, the reasons for differing results between various analytical methods remain unclear. Towle emphasizes the importance of employing multiple techniques to gain a comprehensive understanding of ancient primate diets. Researchers are poised to explore whether ancient primates might have consumed fruits despite teeth seemingly suited for harder foods or if distinctive dental features influenced the likelihood of tooth chipping.

Read the study: Tooth chipping patterns and dental caries suggest a soft fruit diet in early anthropoids

America’s Native Population Traced to Single Asian Migration Wave, According to Dental Anthropologists