Dr Brian Lawn (NIST): Inferring Biological Evolution from Fracture Patterns in Teeth

Event Details

Date:

Thursday, 31 July 2014

Time:

12:00 pm - 1:00 pm

Room:

Seminar Room, Level 1

UQ Location:

URL:

Event category(s):

Full Description:: You are invited to attend a free seminar by Dr Brian Lawn, 'Inferring Biological Evolution from Fracture Patterns in Teeth'. This lecture will be the first in the School of Mechanical and Mining Engineering Distinguished Lecture Series.

In this lecture, Dr Lawn will discuss how tooth forms impact on evolutionary adaptation in fossil and living species from the viewpoint of a biomaterials scientist.

'Teeth are critical markers of our past and present, how we eat, how we survive. They are relatively hard and brittle with a complex microstructure. It is hypothesised that specific tooth forms are adapted to resist fracture and wear in order to accommodate the high bite forces needed to secure, break down and consume food. Distinct modes of tooth fracture are identified and analysed. Transitions between these fracture modes occur depending on tooth shape and size, and loading location and orientation. The micromechanics of wear are also briefly discussed in the context of abrasive particulates in the food source. Attention is focussed on the relatively flat, low-crowned molars of omnivorous mammals, including humans and other hominins, and the elongate canines of living carnivores. Allusion to the conical dentition of reptiles and the columnar teeth of herbivores is also made, to highlight the generality of the analytical methodology.'

Refreshments will be served following the seminar.

Please register your attendance for catering purposes.