For more than a century and a half, scientists have been intrigued by a unique feature present in the skulls of terrestrial vertebrates. From giant dinosaurs to today’s humans, everyone has seen a remarkable difference in the temporal region of the brain. According to this unique new study, food habits shape the bones of our heads.
The efforts of researchers from the University of Tübingen and Ruhr University Bochum have shed light on this mystery. Research published in the journal The Anatomical Record shows how dietary behavior affects our body composition. And what kind of impact it may have in the future.
Experts analyzed various fossil reptiles, including dinosaurs, and compared the skulls of land vertebrates over millions of years of evolution. The analysis revealed that the upper portion of the cheekbones provide a way for muscles to attach to the lower jaw, creating a passageway that can be felt when chewing.
Scientists explained how eating habits affect the bones and muscles of the skull itself. (Symbolic photo: Canva)
Following this discovery, the team observed that intense biting at the front of the jaw, possibly with the help of fangs, produced significant stress extending from above the eyes towards the neck. This tension induces the formation of bone braces in the temple area. Additionally, reptiles display an additional skull feature related to their feeding habits. Due to their tendency to bite at the back of the jaw, they use greater bite force.
Studies show that moving prey or plucking leaves requires more force, which leads to more changes in the tentacles. The muscles of the jaw play an important role in stabilizing the skull.
This study increases our understanding of how food habits have shaped the skulls of terrestrial vertebrates over millions of years. The study not only solves a long-standing scientific puzzle, but also highlights the profound impact of food habits on the evolutionary development of terrestrial vertebrates.
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Tags: Amazing news, Bizarre news, OMG News, Weird news
FIRST PUBLISHED: April 6, 2024, 20:14 IST
