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Labiolingual thickness and cross-sectional area in callitrichid incisors
1Department of Anthropology, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, USA.
Journal of Anatomy
|April 22, 2026
Summary
Gouging primates have thicker lower incisors, not larger ones, to access tree exudates. This dental morphology helps resist stress during bark gouging for feeding.
Area of Science:
- Primate Paleontology
- Comparative Anatomy
- Evolutionary Biology
Background:
- Primates consume tree exudates (gums, saps) using specialized teeth for gouging.
- Previous studies suggested larger, thicker lower incisors in gouging primates (callitrichids).
Purpose of the Study:
- To test predictions of incisor size and thickness in gouging versus non-gouging callitrichids.
- To identify dental signatures of primate exudativory.
Main Methods:
- Examined lower incisor morphology in 185 specimens from seven callitrichid species.
- Compared relative incisor size (cross-sectional area) and labiolingual thickness between gouging and non-gouging taxa.
Main Results:
- Gouging callitrichids do not possess relatively larger incisors compared to non-gougers.
- Gouging species exhibit significantly thicker labiolingual lower incisors, aiding resistance to bending stress.
Conclusions:
- Labiolingual incisor thickness is a key dental signature for primate gouging behavior.
- Other incisor features (height, enamel, roots) may compensate for lack of relative size increase in gougers.
