How does H. heidelbergensis's dental structure compare to that of modern humans?

H. heidelbergensis is known for its dental structure, which includes larger and more robust teeth, particularly the molars. This characteristic reflects adaptations to a varied diet that may have included tough foods, requiring greater chewing power. The larger size of the teeth in H. heidelbergensis indicates evolutionary pressures related to their dietary habits and the challenges of processing available food resources.

In contrast, modern humans have smaller teeth, which are adapted to our more varied diet that includes softer foods due to cooking and food processing. Therefore, the robust nature of H. heidelbergensis's molars is significant as it underscores the differences in their feeding strategies and the physical demands placed on their dental structures compared to those of modern humans.