Tooth crown morphology in caecilians (Amphibia: Gymnophiona)
1979; Wiley; Volume: 159; Issue: 3 Linguagem: Inglês
10.1002/jmor.1051590304
ISSN1097-4687
AutoresMarvalee H. Wake, Gloria Z. Wurst,
Tópico(s)Wildlife Ecology and Conservation
ResumoThe morphology of tooth crowns is variable inter-specifically among caecilians. Cusp number and shape, crown dimensions, and crown curvature characterize various species and have both functional and phylogenetic implications. Ichthyophis, Uraeotyphlus, Hypogeophis, and Geotrypetes have bicuspid teeth; Dermophis, Gymnopis, Caecilia, and Typhlonectes monocuspid. Crown morphology as revealed by scanning electron microscopy is associated with prey grasping and, in one case, possible specialization of prey type.
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