Which species is known for having smaller dentition than Homo erectus?

Prepare for the University of Toronto ANT100Y1 Introduction to Anthropology Midterm Test. Enhance your understanding with multiple-choice questions and detailed explanations. Get ready for success in your anthropology exam!

The species known for having smaller dentition than Homo erectus is Homo floresiensis. This diminutive hominin is notable for its small size and reduced dental anatomy, which reflects a unique adaptation to its environment on the island of Flores in Indonesia. The smaller teeth are thought to correlate with a diet that required less processing power compared to that of larger hominins, such as Homo erectus, which had more substantial dentition adapted for a varied diet.

Homo neanderthalensis and Homo heidelbergensis, while having robust dental structures, do not display the same trend toward smaller dentition as seen in Homo floresiensis. Denisova hominins, though less understood, are generally assumed to have dentition similar to that of Neanderthals. Therefore, the small teeth of Homo floresiensis are a clear distinguishing feature when compared to the larger dentition of Homo erectus and many other related species.

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