Occlusofacial relationships in the mature howler monkey (Alouatta caraya)

The facial orientation of the occlusal (functional) aspect of the normal human dentition is remarkably invariant. A comparative study, using mature howler monkeys (Alouatta caraya) was undertaken to elucidate further the nature of these characteristics. The monkey data show comparable small variability. The possible adaptive significance of these occlusofacial relationships of small variability is discussed.