You may think humans have evolved to their maximum, but think again! Human evolution is often seen as a slow process, but recent studies show that we are changing faster than we think. Our faces are becoming shorter, and our jaws are shrinking, leading to less room for teeth. This means many babies are now born without wisdom teeth , a sign of rapid evolution.

Human jaw is shrinking?
As per a 2020 study by Dr. Teghan Lucas from Flinders University published in the Journal of Anatomy., this change is linked to our diet and use of fire and processed foods. Over millions of years, human jaws have been getting smaller. This trend is not just a recent phenomenon but has been ongoing since early humans evolved. The main reason for this shrinkage is believed to be changes in diet. Early humans ate a lot of meat, which required strong jaws and sharp teeth. As humans began to eat more plants and softer foods, their jaws and teeth adapted to these new dietary needs. Today, with the prevalence of processed foods, our jaws have become even smaller, leading to less space for wisdom teeth.


Losing wisdom teeth
This shift from hard, rough foods to softer, processed ones requires less chewing force, contributing to smaller jaws and jaw muscles. As a result, many people are born without wisdom teeth, a common issue in modern times. A study in the Dental Research Journal found that between 5% and 37% of people are born without wisdom teeth. The agricultural and industrial revolutions have further accelerated this trend, resulting in smaller jaws and less-toned facial muscles.

Micro-evolution in humans
Dr. Teghan Lucas along with the University of Adelaide professors Maciej Henneberg and Jaliya Kumaratilake discovered that humans are undergoing a process called ‘micro-evolution,’ where evolutionary changes can be observed over a relatively short period. This comprises not just reduced jaws but further bones in the arms and legs, and another artery in the forearm. This artery, which is referred to as the median artery , is increasing in prevalence within recent generations, suggesting continuing evolutionary alterations.

The prevalence of the median artery has increased significantly since the late 19th century, suggesting that humans are still evolving rapidly. Scientists predict that this artery will become even more common in future generations. Other changes include more bones in the feet and abnormal connections between bones, reflecting how our bodies are adapting to modern lifestyles.

Human evolution is not a slow process, it is happening rapidly, influenced by our diets, lifestyles, and technological advancements. Our shrinking jaws and the disappearance of wisdom teeth are just a few signs of this ongoing evolution. As we continue to adapt to modern environments, it will be interesting to see what other changes occur in the human body.