Functional adaptation of eruption sequence of pinniped postcanine teeth
Loughlin TR. 1982. Functional adaptation of eruption sequence of pinniped postcanine teeth. Journal of Mammalogy. 63(3):523-525
The present study was initiated to determine if the eruption sequence of postcanine teeth in pinnipeds could be used as an indicator of phylogenetic origins. The currently accepted view of a biphyletic origin for the pinnipeds is based primarily on anatomical and paleontological evidence and theorizes that the otariids and odobenids are derived from bear-like ancestors and the phocids are derived from otter-like ancestors; the monophyletic theory proposes a bear-like ancestor for all pinnipeds. The authors hypothesis was that, if phocids have an eruption sequence of the third and fourth lower postcanine teeth similar to that of mustelids, and otariids have one similar to that of ursids, support for the theory that pinnipeds arose from two modern families would be demonstrated. The monophyletic theory would be supported if both phocids and otariids have an eruption sequence similar to that of bears.
- Type
- Journal Article
- Authors
- Loughlin, T
- Units
- GLBA , KATM , KEFJ , SITK , WRST
- Keywords
- Marine, Marine Mammals, Pinnipeds, Wildlife