Dentition Patterns



Lemurs   (Prosimians/Strepsirhini)

Ring-tailed lemurs are found on the island of Madagascar. They are restricted to the south and southwestern portion of the island which includes nine forests: Andohahela, Andringitra, Ankilitelo, Berenty, Beza Mahafaly, Isalo, Tsimanampetsotsa, Tsirave, and Zombitse.A free ranging breeding population however, has been developed in Georgia.  The dentition patterns found in lemurs is 2.1.3.3 on both the top and bottom. This means that on each side of the jaw there are two incisors, one canine tooth, three premolars, and three molars. The lower incisors and lower canines, which are slightly larger, form a structure called a toothcomb which is helpful with oral grooming, grasping small fruits and removing leaves off a stem while eating. The lemurs dentition patterns are influenced by their environment because they rely on their toothcomb to help them while eating plant stems, and small fruits, and grooming themselves.

      


Spider Monkey  (New World Monkey/Platyrrhini)

The spider monkey can be found in the tropical forests of Central and South America including countries such as Brazil and Mexico. Because of their long disproportionate limbs and prehensile tails they are one of the largest New World Monkeys, hence their common name. Thanks to their large size they prefer lush undisturbed forest environments, however because of their size they are common prey for humans.  Spider monkeys live in the uppermost layers of the rain forest surviving off of a diet of mostly fruits, but have also been known to occasionally consume flowers, leaves, and insects. The dentition pattern of a spider monkey is 2.1.3.3, they have two incisors, one canine, three premolars, and three molars. Their teeth have adapted to their aboreal, treetop, lifestyle. Their teeth assist in their eating of fruits and leaves.


  


Baboon  (Old World Monkey/Cercopithecidae)

Baboons are found in various habitats are are extremely adaptable. Preferring semiarid environments, they are more commonly found in the Savannas of Africa, or tropical forests in Africa. They rely on fruits, roots, bark, grass and even seeds for their nutrients. They also eat rodents and birds for their meat. Their dentition pattern is 2.1.2.3. They have broad incisors, molars with high crowns, and extended fang like canine teeth. Their specific dental pattern is essential to their survival in the harsh environments of the African Savanna, and forests because it helps them ward off predators and compete for food.

  

Gibbon  (Lesser ape/Hylobatidae)

Gibbons can be found in tropical to subtropical forests of southeast Asia. Also referred to as lesser apes, Gibbons differ from other apes because of their small size, non nest building, and anatomical characteristics that resemble monkeys more so than apes. Gibbons are omnivores relying on the fruit and leaves around them, as well as small birds, insects, and reptiles. Their dentition pattern is 2.1.2.3 with shortened jaws and long canine teeth. Due to their tree dwelling nature they are prey to animals such as leopards, and large snakes, because of this they must rely on their particularly long canines to defend themselves.
  

Chimpanzees   (Great ape/Hominidae) 

The chimpanzee is a species of ape found in a variety of habitats in western and central Africa from tropical forests to arid savannas. Closely related to humans in particular, humans and chimpanzees share 98% of the same DNA. While the common chimpanzee is herbivorous eating mostly ripe fruits and leaves, they have also been known to feast on honey, small animals and birds, and insects. In close relation to humans, chimpanzees have 32 teeth, 16 on the upper jaw and 16 on the bottom jaw,  that help them grind down plant materials and even rip through flesh. Their dental formula is 2.1.2.3.


 


Through my observations and studying I found that animals that have a more plant based diet tend to have more molars. These are also usually the animals with aboreal natures, seeking refuge in treetop residences. With dental formulas close to or about, 2.1.3.3 they rely on their teeth to help grind and crush leaves and plants. For example, a lemur or a spider monkey are both herbivorous animals with the dental formula, 2.1.3.3, and both reside in lush forest habitats. However, I also found that animals with a more carnivorous diet tended to have larger incisors and less molars.  With a dental formula like 2.1.2.3, animals like the gibbon, chimpanzee, and baboon relied on their larger canine teeth to rip through meats, and scare off predators. These animals were also more aggressive as they had to compete for their meals.