Out of the Mouths of Apes: Teeth Provide Insight on Evolution

The video discusses a study by George Washington University and NIST on how apes have evolved specialized teeth to handle fallback foods when their preferred fruits are scarce. The research highlights differences in tooth morphology among chimpanzees, gorillas, and orangutans, linking these adaptations to their dietary needs. Experiments conducted at NIST support the hypothesis that these adaptations are crucial for survival during tough times. The findings emphasize the importance of conserving both primary and fallback food sources for apes, as these are vital for their survival and evolutionary success.

What evidence did researchers find to support the hypothesis about ape teeth?

Why is it important to protect both fruit trees and fallback foods for apes?