CP3 Honing Complex

Comparison of the mandibles (lower jaw bones) of a chimpanzee (left) and Australopithecus afarensis (right). The gap between the canine tooth and the third premolar on the chimpanzee mandible is part of what is called the CP3 honing complex. As can be seen on the A. afarensis mandible the canine tooth is significantly smaller and there is no functioning honing complex.

Comparison of a chimpanzee (left) and an Australopithecus afarensis (right) skull illustrating the interlocking canine teeth for the chimpanzee and the smaller canines on the A. afarensis skull.