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I think a stronger argument, along similar lines, would be to observe that the human skull underwent pretty drastic architectural changes in the last 200K years
by drcode 8y ago
I think a stronger argument, along similar lines, would be to observe that the human skull underwent pretty drastic architectural changes in the last 200K years because of the rapid growth in size of the brain cavity. And, since the importance of teeth fell behind the importance of intelligence, not enough selective pressure existed to "fix" the teeth given the other radical skull changes.
- keithwhor 8y agoYep, this can mechanistically explain why the phenotypic variability exists, for sure.
- ryanmarsh 8y agoIn addition, let’s not forget the invention of cooked food. Soft cooked food no longer requires a massive jaw with jaw muscle attached to the top of the skull. Furthermore, the higher sugar content of the (post)agrarian diet creates a healthy environment for bacteria. “Catching Fire: How Cooking Made us Human” has a lot to say on this subject.