The anterior dentition of adapids and anthropoid origins

A recent discussion of the anterior teeth of adapids led to the conclusion that similarities to anthropoids are convergent. It is shown here that alternative functional and phylogenetic interpretations can be supported. These alternative interpretations are based on a different perspective on the anterior dentitions of extant and fossil anthropoids, which cannot be characterized by a single pattern of morphology and occlusion. More importantly, when this interspecific variation is placed within a phylogenetic framework it reveals persistent evolutionary trends that can be extrapolated back to infer a modest range of probable conditions in an Eocene anthropoid ancestor. The morphology and occlusion of adapid anterior teeth fall within this extrapolated range. This is compatible with an adapid ancestry for anthropoids.