Last Supper Hypothesis
Dr. Marion (lrmarion@email.unc.edu)
16 Aug 1995 16:25:55 GMT
My posting concerns research involving dental mirowear. In general there
are atleast two ways to compare microwear in different species. One is
to compare features observed with the SEM, such as pits and striations,
for directionality and density. The problem with such an approach is
that repeated wear obliterates details f previous wear patterns. This is
often referred to as the "Last Supper Hypothesis." Many proponents to
this feel that wear observed on a tooth will only contain clear evidence
of the last meal that tooth participated in masticating.
What are your thoughts on this?
By the way the other method is to compare wear on homologous facets as
supported and utilized in studies by Teaford and Walker.
|