The 40 Million-Year-Old Ecosystem In Your Mouth

The video explores the significance of dental calculus, a fossilized byproduct of oral microbes, in understanding human evolution. It highlights how dental calculus preserves microbial DNA, offering insights into ancient diets, migrations, and interactions with Neanderthals. The stability of core microbial taxa over millions of years and their adaptation to dietary changes, such as starch consumption, are discussed. The research underscores the intertwined evolutionary journey of humans and their microbiomes, revealing a rich history captured in the fossil record of our mouths.

What is the primary purpose of routine dental cleaning?

• To remove dental plaque and tartar

• To punish patients

• To strengthen enamel

• To whiten teeth

What makes dental calculus a valuable source for studying ancient microbes?

• It fossilizes while we are alive

• It is easy to collect

• It is abundant in all animals

• It is colorful

Which group of microbes was found to be shared across various primates, including humans and Neanderthals?

• A rare group of 3 microbes

• A diverse group of 20 microbes

• A core group of 10 microbes

• A unique group of 5 microbes

What adaptation did certain Streptococcus microbes develop in response to dietary changes?

• Ability to digest proteins

• Ability to digest starch

• Ability to produce vitamins

• Ability to resist antibiotics

What significant dietary change is suggested to have occurred over 600,000 years ago?

• Transition to a fruit-based diet

• Transition to a starchier diet

• Transition to a dairy-based diet

• Transition to a meat-based diet

What evidence suggests interactions between ancient humans and Neanderthals?

• Shared tools

• Shared microbial strains

• Shared language

• Shared clothing

What does the disappearance of Neanderthal-like microbes in European humans indicate?

• A population turnover

• A technological advancement

• A new dietary habit

• A change in climate