Primate tooth enamel evolved at nanoscale level in response to dietary changes over 18 million years
By
Payal Dhar, special to C&EN
Summary
Over nearly 18 million years of evolution, the tooth enamel of primates, including humans, has changed at the nanoscale level. The orientation of hydroxyapatite crystals in tooth enamel has shifted in response to dietary changes, particularly the addition of meat and agricultural products to human diets. These nanoscale structural changes are linked to the increasing hardness of foods consumed during human evolution.
Source
bskyPrimate tooth enamel evolved at nanoscale level in response to dietary changes over 18 million yearscen.acs.orgKey quotes
· 3 pulledOver nearly 18 million years of evolution, the tooth enamel of primates, including humans, has changed at the level of the crystalline molecules that make up this outer layer of teeth.
The addition of meat and agricultural products to human diets led to changes in the orientation of hydroxyapatite crystals.
Changes in orientation of hydroxyapatite crystals linked to increasing hardness of foods
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