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Systematic Assessment of Mammalian Skull Specimens for Dental and Temporomandibular Joint Pathology
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Permian hypercarnivore suggests dental complexity among early amniotes
Tea Maho1,2, Sigi Maho2, Diane Scott2
1International Centre of Future Science, Dinosaur Evolution Research Center, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, 130012, China.
Nature Communications
|August 19, 2022
Summary
Ancient reptiles evolved diverse dental strategies soon after appearing. Varanopids like Mesenosaurus showed rapid development and short lives, contrasting with Dimetrodon and herbivores, revealing early amniote dental complexity.
Area of Science:
- Paleontology
- Vertebrate Biology
- Evolutionary Biology
Background:
- Varanopids are ancient, widespread amniotes, but their dentition and feeding behaviors are poorly understood.
- The early terrestrial vertebrate community featured diverse feeding strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the dentition and developmental patterns of the varanopid Mesenosaurus.
- To compare Mesenosaurus's dental development with other early terrestrial amniotes.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of numerous Mesenosaurus specimens from Oklahoma cave deposits.
- Comparative analysis of dental traits and inferred life history strategies.
Main Results:
- Mesenosaurus exhibited tooth crown serrations, rapid development, and reduced longevity compared to other early amniotes.
- The apex predator Dimetrodon increased dental longevity through tooth massiveness.
- Herbivores and insectivores/omnivores displayed reduced tooth replacement rates and varied longevity.
Conclusions:
- Early amniotes displayed diverse dental development patterns shortly after their emergence.
- These varied patterns highlight a previously unrecognized dental complexity in the nascent amniote radiation.
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