Palaeodemography and dental microwear pattern of Homo habilis in East Africa

Abstract

We have studied the variability of the buccal microwear pattern in the Homo habilis population from Olduvai Gorge (Tanzania) and East Rudolf (Kenya), as a dietary indicator in fossil hominin species, and its relationship to the age of the individuals analysed. The estimation of the age of the individuals was done by estimating the rate of dental occlusal wear of individuals of known age. The biodemographic population extinction pattern could be analysed, showing great similarities to that observed in other Paleolithic populations. In the studied sample, the results obtained show that the striation density of the buccal microwear pattern is not significantly correlated with the estimated age at death, despite a tendency towards an increase in the number of striations with age can be observed. Further analyses and greater samples are needed to draw meaningful results.