Dental Anthropology

Catalog description

Credits 3. 3 Lecture Hours. COURSE OVERVIEW. Examines the methods used to study teeth, a subdiscipline central to biological anthropology (the study of human evolution and variation), bioarchaeology (the study of human remains in archaeological contexts), anatomy, dentistry and palaeontology (the study of fossil life). Explores the essential questions regarding dental analysis: How are teeth studied, and what insights can dental research provide? Gains in-depth experience with the core concepts of dental anatomy, dental development, dental ecology and dental evolution. Develops confidence in identifying teeth in both human and non-human primates and their closest living relatives. Analyzes current literature concerning dental form, function and evolutionary patterns. Cultivates critical thinking abilities necessary for evaluating cutting-edge dental research and effectively presenting and writing about these findings. TOPICS AND THEMES. Considers dental anatomy and introduces the tribosphenic molar as a key evolutionary feature. Analyzes the evolution of mammalian mastication and its implications for dietary adaptation. Explores evolutionary developmental biology as it relates to tooth formation and variation. Studies dental eruption patterns, life history traits and dentition patterns in primates. Investigates dental ecology and applies methods for reconstructing ancient diets. Examines dietary reconstruction techniques including macro- and microwear analysis, enamel thickness and dental topography. Reviews the dental-pulp complex, dental pathology and the role of dental form in understanding phylogenetic relationships among human and non-human primates. Prerequisites: ANTH 225 or approval of instructor.