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Systematic Assessment of Mammalian Skull Specimens for Dental and Temporomandibular Joint Pathology
Published on: August 22, 2022
Molar crown and root size relationship in anthropoid primates
Frontiers of Oral Biology
|October 16, 2009
Summary
Tooth root size correlates with molar crown size in anthropoids. Hard object feeders have larger root surface areas relative to crown size, suggesting a link between diet, tooth structure, and mandible form.
Area of Science:
- Primate paleontology
- Comparative anatomy
- Bioengineering
Background:
- Mandibular corpus form is linked to masticatory function and dentition size.
- Previous studies assumed molar crown size reflects overall tooth size, a hypothesis needing validation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To test if molar crown size correlates with root size.
- To investigate the relationship between root-to-crown surface area proportion and diet.
- To examine phylogenetic influences on tooth root-to-crown proportions.
Main Methods:
- CT scanning of permanent M2s (n=58) from 19 anthropoid species.
- Measurement of molar crown and root volume and surface area.
- Interspecific and intraspecific correlation and regression analyses.
Main Results:
- Significant isometric relationship found between molar crown and root volume.
- Positive allometric relationship observed between root and crown surface area.
- Hard object feeders showed relatively larger root surface area per crown surface area.
- Closely related species exhibited similar root-to-crown surface area proportions, indicating phylogenetic influence.
Conclusions:
- Molar crown and root size are significantly related in anthropoids.
- Root-to-crown surface area proportions vary with diet, particularly for hard object feeders.
- Phylogenetic factors strongly influence tooth root-to-crown proportions.
- Future research should explore the link between tooth root size and mandible form.
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