Dental metrics of Sahelanthropus tchadensis: A comparative analysis with apes and Plio-Pleistocene hominins

Autor(es)

Walter Neves ^[1] ; Leticia Valota ^[2] ; Clovis Monteiro ^[3]

Afiliação do(s) autor(es)

^[1] University of São Paulo. Institute of Advanced Studies - Brasil

^[2] University of São Paulo. Institute of Advanced Studies - Brasil

^[3] University of São Paulo. Institute of Advanced Studies - Brasil

• Tipo de documento: Artigo Científico
• Fonte: S. Afr. j. sci.; v. 120, p. 1-4, 2024-08-00.

Resumo

Since discovery and description of the species, Sahelanthropus tchadensis has been at the centre of a great discussion around its classification as a hominin - the first of our lineage - or an ape. Many studies have been conducted in order to clarify this question, especially studies based on the morphology of the cranium and the post-cranial remains. In this study, we analysed the posterior dentition of S. tchadensis in relation to those of other hominins and chimpanzees, using a multivariate comparative metric analysis. Our results suggest that the posterior dentition of the Chad material lies in the range of well-established early Plio-Pleistocene hominins, supporting its classification as part of the hominin lineage. SIGNIFICANCE: • The subject investigated in this study is important to the understanding of the first steps of human evolution. • Much has been discussed about this Chadian species. Some believe it is the first hominin, others believe it is an ape. • This study shows that the posterior dentition of S. tchadensis does not preclude it from being a hominin. (AU)

• Processo FAPESP: 23/06224-0 - A interação entre neandertais e humanos modernos no norte dos Bálcãs: uma abordagem paleoantropológica.
• Beneficiário: Walter Alves Neves
• Modalidade de apoio: Auxílio à Pesquisa - Regular
• Processo FAPESP: 23/15632-4 - O estudo da morfologia dentária como ferramenta para a compreensão da evolução humana: uma análise comparativa
• Beneficiário: Leticia Sartori Valota
• Modalidade de apoio: Bolsas no Brasil - Iniciação Científica