Dust affects chewing efficiency and tooth wear in forest dwelling Western chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes verus)

Abstract

Objectives: In humans it has been shown that abrasive particles in the diet result in increased tooth wear and less intense chewing behavior, both of which decrease chewing efficiency. This behavioral response may also exist in non-human primates as a means to reduce the wear effect of dust-laden food. Here we tested whether the periodical occurrence of abrasive dust particles in the diet of Western chimpanzees affects tooth wear and reduces chewing efficiency. Materials and methods: We measured fecal particle size of undigested food Show more