On the development of the deciduous teeth in the common seal (Phoca vitulina)

Information on the development of teeth in seals is rare. In this study, histological details are presented from fetuses and several postnatal stages of the common seal (Phoca vitulina), showing that the deciduous teeth undergo a very rapid, short-term, and somewhat incomplete development. This means that the permanent dentition can and also has to ‚out-pace’ the deciduous dentition, because Phoca vitulina, contrary to fur seals, has a very short suckling period after which there is an abrupt change to normal feeding (crabs, fishes).