Evolution of third molar

There was a time when our jaws could comfortably accommodate all 32 teeth, including the third molars. About 100 million years ago, Early man's jaws were larger and accommodated all teeth and played a vital role in survival with it being their means of catching, dismembering and consuming prey. Our ancestors subsisted on a tough and chewy diet of leaves, roots and raw meat. Third molars might also have played an important backup role when Front teeth were lost or worn down. With advent of cooked and processed food, we definitely decreased our reliance upon the third molar.