For paleoanthropologists, teeth are among the most information-rich parts of a skeleton.

They survive exceptionally well.

They begin forming before birth and continue developing through childhood and adolescence, recording events and conditions as they grow.

And they wear in ways that reflect diet and behavior.

The analysis of Shanidar Z’s dentition — what teeth survived and what they showed — contributed to the age estimate and also to understanding her life.

Dental wear patterns can indicate diet.

Heavily worn molars suggest a gritty or abrasive diet.