[Tooth homology in mammals].
Abstract: The development of the chewing, lacerative and omnivorous dentition type was confirmed on the base of the author's studies on the dentition of placentalia representatives. The use of vegetable food by the rodents and herbivorous mammals induces an efficient development of molars, absence or reduced number of incisors and canines of the upper jaw and increased number of incisors and absence of canines of the lower jaw, resulting into the proposal of an alteration of the dentition formula for rabbits and for the rest of the rodents (Simplicidentata), for herbivorous and for horses. In beasts of prey, besides the efficient development of the canines, a transition of the premolars and certain molars into laceratives is found. In omnivorous mammals, together with the efficient development of canines, an efficient development of molars and premolars as chewing teeth is also established.
Publication Date: 1985-01-01 PubMed ID: 4073521
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- English Abstract
- Journal Article
Summary
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This research investigates the impact of dietary habits on tooth development in different mammalian species, indicating that plant-based diets in rodents and herbivores promote the development of molars, while a carnivorous diet in predators enhances the growth of canines and certain molars. Omnivorous mammals display efficient development of both canines and molars.
Understanding Mammalian Dentition
- The researcher conducted a study on the dentition of placental mammals and how different diets impact tooth development.
- It was found that the dietary habits significantly influence the variety and development of different types of teeth. Mammals that have herbivorous or omnivorous diets tend to develop their molars more efficiently, while carnivorous mammals have a more efficient development of canines.
Evaluation of Herbivorous Mammals’ Dentition
- Among herbivores and rodents, a plant-based diet leads to a notable development of molars. This is due to these teeth being critical for grinding down fibrous plant material.
- It is observed that these mammals often have fewer incisors and canines in their upper jaw, but more incisors and lack of canines in the lower jaw. This adaptation helps them in cutting and grinding vegetation more effectively.
- Based on these findings, the author proposes a change in the dental formula for rabbits and other rodents to better reflect these observations.
Insight into the Dentition of Predatory Animals
- In predatory mammals, there is an efficient development of canines, which are pivotal for piercing and tearing meat. This is an adaptation to their carnivorous diet.
- Some premolars and particular molars in these mammals have also evolved to function as lacerative teeth, useful in tearing apart flesh.
Dentition Characteristics in Omnivorous Mammals
- Omnivorous mammals, who consume both plant and animal matter, display an effective development of both canines and molars.
- Canines are used for tearing, while molars are used for grinding—a diverse set of dentition reflecting the varied diet they have.
Cite This Article
APA
Skopakoff C.
(1985).
[Tooth homology in mammals].
Anat Anz, 160(1), 33-43.
Publication
Researcher Affiliations
MeSH Terms
- Animals
- Biological Evolution
- Cats
- Cattle
- Dentition
- Guinea Pigs
- Hedgehogs
- Horses
- Humans
- Moles
- Pan troglodytes
Citations
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