Evolution of Primate Dentition
In collaboration with the Hlusko Lab at the Human Evolution Research Center at UC Berkeley, we are investigating novel dental phenotypes that give far greater resolution to the evolutionary pathways of dentition in primates (and fossil hominins) than previously used metrics. These pathways are based on the developmental inhibitory cascade (MMC) and the developmental relationship between the premolars and molars (PMM).
See our recent paper in PNAS for more detail and information, including a discussion of our work and its implications for studies of evolution in a paleontological context by David Polly.
My current work on this project focuses on extending these metrics and methods to better understand dental evolution primate groups not previously investigated, including the platyrrhines (New World monkeys) and strepsirrhines (lemurs and lorises).
See our recent paper in PNAS for more detail and information, including a discussion of our work and its implications for studies of evolution in a paleontological context by David Polly.
My current work on this project focuses on extending these metrics and methods to better understand dental evolution primate groups not previously investigated, including the platyrrhines (New World monkeys) and strepsirrhines (lemurs and lorises).
