Dental and cranial variation in living Indriidae |
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Authors: | Philip D Gingerich Alan S Ryan |
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Institution: | (1) Museum of Paleontology, University of Michigan, 48109 Ann Arbor, Michigan, U.S.A.;(2) Department of Anthrology, University of Michigan, 48109 Ann Arbor, Michigan, U.S.A. |
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Abstract: | Four species of Indriidae are extant in Madagascar. We have studied large samples of each of these to characterize dental
and cranial variation, and to estimate the degree of sexual dimorphism in the dentition and cranium. Two dental fields are
apparent, characterized by reduced variability: (1) a canine field centered on the upper canine and occluding caniniform lower
premolar, and (2) a cheek tooth field centered on the second molars. No consistent pattern of sexual dimorphism was found
in dental or cranial dimensions, and we conclude that none of the four species is sexually dimorphic. This lack of dental
and cranial dimorphism is unusual in primates, and probably reflects the relatively limited aggressive behavior and the lack
of male dominance in Indriidae. |
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Keywords: | |
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