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On the Supposed “Kenyapithecus africanus” Mandible

Abstract

ENOUGH is known about Ramapithecus species (including “Kenyapithecus wickeri”) to say that a morphological complex characterizes the earliest hominids. This complex, described in detail elsewhere1,2, includes anteroposterior shortening of the jaw, reduction of canine height, squaring of the molars, lowering of the molar cusps, molarization of the premolars, thickening of cheek tooth enamel, increase in interstitial wear, and increase in the verticality of the incisors and symphyseal region.

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ZWELL, M. On the Supposed “Kenyapithecus africanus” Mandible. Nature 240, 236–239 (1972). https://doi.org/10.1038/240236a0

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