alleryPaleontologist: Fossilized tooth wear patterns in ancient hominid species H show micro-striations identical to those found in primates that consume exclusively abrasive fibrous roots. Therefore, species H must have relied on fibrous roots as its primary dietary staple. Which of the following, if true, most seriously undermines the paleontologist's conclusion?
ASpecies H consumed fibrous roots only during severe multi-year droughts when its preferred fruits were completely unavailable.
BSpecies H possessed powerful jaw musculature capable of cracking hard seed coats.
CPrimate relatives of species H inhabited open savannas where fibrous tubers were abundant.
DOther hominid species living in the same epoch exhibited smooth dental enamel surfaces.
EFibrous tubers provide substantial caloric energy when digested by hominids.
Answer & Solution
Correct answer: A. Species H consumed fibrous roots only during severe multi-year droughts when its preferred fruits were completely unavailable.
If species H consumed fibrous roots ONLY during rare multi-year droughts (fallback foods), then fibrous roots were NOT its primary dietary staple during ordinary times. The dental wear recorded the extreme fallback periods rather than the daily diet.
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