Although the dentition of A. afarensis contains
several traits that are similar to modern man, there are many characteristics
that resemble those found in the great apes. Note the large pointed upper
canines. This has led many paleoanthropologists to believe that A. afarensis
represents an intermediary form between chimpanzees and humans. (See this picture.) Paleoanthropologists consider the angle and shape of the first
premolar to be more like a chimpanzee than ours. The molars are larger in
size than in modern humans. Marks on the front teeth suggest that A.
afarensis was pulling leaves and grass through their teeth similar to
the feeding pattern of gorillas. The bluntness of the teeth further suggests that A. Afarensis were omnivores with a broad diet that probably included insects, tubers, fruits, leaves and other foods. All items in the diet would have been easy to carry.
The dentition of A. afarensis is considered to be less specialized than that of later hominids. Note the differences in tooth size and orientation. How does the facial and cranial structure assist paleoanthropologists in reconstructing the way these teeth would have been used? This is view to the right of the actual fossil palate (upper dentition) for A. afarensis. Note the size of the canines, the diastema, and the shape of the jaw as the facial prognatism emerges in what would be the lower face. These are diagnostic characteristics of A. afarensis.
Both the chimpanzee and A. afarensis have a distinct gap (diastema) between the incisors and canines. The jaw of the chimpanzee is U shaped. Note the differences in the size of the various teeth, particularly the canine.
