Enamel chipping in Taï Forest cercopithecids: Implications for diet reconstruction in paleoanthropological contexts

Tooth chipping patterns inParanthropusdo not support regular hard food mastication

“…Extant apes, gorillas, gibbons and chimpanzees have relatively low frequencies of chipping, especially compared to orangutans (Constantino et al, 2012; Towle et al 2021), likely due to orangutans’ proclivity for large seeds and nuts (Galdikas, 1982; Vogel et al, 2008; Lucas et al, 2012). Species considered to be hard object feeding specialists have a chipping prevalence >25%, with diets of sooty mangabeys, mandrills, sakis and Raffles’ banded langur containing significant amounts of hard foods (e.g., durophagy; Kinzey & Norconk, 1993; Fleagle & McGraw, 1999; McGraw et al, 2011; Pampush et al, 2013; Fannin et al, 2020; vanCasteren et al, 2020; Davies and Bennett, 1988).…”

“…In H. neanderthalensis , the high rate of fractures is thought to be caused by non-masticatory activities, but in H. naledi it likely relates to ingesting environmental contaminants, such as grit (Fiorenza & Kullmer, 2013; Fox & Frayer, 1997; Towle et al, 2017). Grit is also masticated by many extant primates, and likely influences chipping rates in certain species (e.g., Van Casteren et al, 2019; Fannin et al, 2020).…”

“…Extant primates include chimpanzees ( Pan troglodytes troglodytes) , Western lowland gorillas ( Gorilla gorilla gorilla) , Kloss’s gibbons ( Hylobates klossii) , hamadryas baboons ( Papio hamadryas) , pig-tailed langurs ( Simias concolor) , Japanese macaques ( Macaca fuscata) , Dent’s mona monkey ( Cercopithecus denti) , blue monkeys ( Cercopithecus mitis) , mandrills ( Mandrillus leucophaeus and Mandrillus sphinx) , Raffles’ banded langurs ( Presbytis femoralis) , Mentawai langurs ( Presbytis potenziani) , brown woolly monkeys ( Lagothrix lagothricha) , Sakis ( Pithecia sp. ), sooty mangabeys ( Cercocebus atys) , olive coIobus monkeys ( Procolobus verus) , Western red coIobus ( Piliocolobus badius) and king coIobus ( CoIobus polykomos) (following Towle and Loch, 2021; Towle et al, 2017; Fannin et al, 2020). In these studies, data collection methods were standardized, with only minor variations in techniques observed.…”

“…These different influences can generate unique chipping patterns across the dentition, and allow inferences of dietary and behavioral factors in archaeological and paleoanthropological samples (Belcastro et al, 2007; Constantino et al, 2010; Scott & Winn, 2011; Nystrom, Phillips-Conroy, & Jolly, 2004; Towle et al, 2017). A range of recent human populations, fossil hominins and extant primate samples have been studied for evidence of chipping (e.g., Belcastro et al, 2007; Bonfiglioli et al, 2004; Gould, 1968; Lous, 1970; Molnar et al, 1972; Silva, Gil, Soares, & da Silva, 2016; Turner & Cadien, 1969; Constantino et al, 2010; Grine et al, 2010; Robinson, 1954; Tobias, 1967; Johanson & Taieb, 1976; Ward et al, 2001; Fox & Frayer, 1997; Scott & Winn, 2011; Stojanowski et al, 2015; Larsen, 2015; Lous, 1970; Molnar et al, 1972; Fannin et al, 2020). While differences in recording methods make inter-study comparisons challenging, chipping may provide additional insight into patterns of primate diet alongside other analytical methods, such as microwear and stable isotopes (Strait et al, 2013).…”

“…Therefore, chipping is often considered evidence of regular hard food consumption, but without comparisons with extant primates these conclusions cannot be justified. All primate species studied show chipping (Towle and Loch, 2021; Fannin et al, 2020), from dietary items as well as accidents and unintentional ingestion of hard objects. The evaluation of chipping patterns in extant primates with associated ecological data allows an understanding of chipping relative to diet and behavior.…”