Progress and Problems in the Study of Early Man in Sub-Saharan Africa

A comprehensive analysis of hominid fossils from 14 sub-Saharan African sites, all located on the Great Central Plateau, reveals significant insights into the functional and evolutionary biology of early humans. The study highlights the unique association of marine and terrestrial fauna in these deposits, providing a rich yet challenging dataset for detailed functional and structural analyses. By examining wear patterns, scratch-marks on teeth, inferred vectors of force involved in masticatory thrust, bite patterns, tooth-tooth contact, crushing, and grinding, researchers reconstructed muscle mechanisms operating on the jaws. This work underscores the potential and limitations of these fossil materials, emphasizing the need for specialized studies to fully exploit their scientific value.

Phillip, V. T. (2017). Progress and Problems in the Study of Early Man in Sub-Saharan Africa. The Functional and Evolutionary Biology of Primates, 63–93. https://doi.org/10.4324/9781315132129-3