Microwear, Mechanics and the Feeding Adaptations of Australopithecus Africanus

Authors

David S. Strait, University at Albany
Gerhard W. Weber, University of Vienna
Paul Constantino, Marshall University
Peter W. Lucas, Kuwait University
Brian G. Richmond, The George Washington University
Mark A. Spencer, Arizona State University
Paul C. Dechow, Texas A&M University
Callum F. Ross, University of Chicago
Ian R. Grosse, University of Massachusetts Amherst
Barth Wright, Kansas City University
Bernard A. Wood, The George Washington University
Qian Wang, Mercer University
Craig Byron, Mercer University
Dennis E. Slice, Florida State University

Document Type

Article

Publication Title

Journal of Human Evolution

Abstract

Recent studies of dental microwear and craniofacial mechanics have yielded contradictory interpretations regarding the feeding ecology and adaptations of Australopithecus africanus. As part of this debate, the methods used in the mechanical studies have been criticized. In particular, it has been claimed that finite element analysis has been poorly applied to this research question. This paper responds to some of these mechanical criticisms, highlights limitations of dental microwear analysis, and identifies avenues of future research.

DOI

10.1016/j.jhevol.2011.10.006

Publication Date

1-2012

Keywords

Australopithecus, Feeding mechanics, Diet, Microwear, Finite element analysis

ISSN

1095-8606

Recommended Citation

Strait DS, Weber GW, Constantino P, Lucas PW, Richmond BG, Spencer MA, Dechow PC, Ross CF, Grosse IR, Wright B, Wood BA, Wang Q, Byron C, Slice DE. Microwear, Mechanics and the Feeding Adaptations of Australopithecus Africanus. Journal of Human Evolution. 2012; 62(1). doi: 10.1016/j.jhevol.2011.10.006.