Three-dimensional analysis of mandibular morphology inOtolemur

Bibliographic Data

ID8317756
AuthorsAnne M Burrows (0000-0002-9952-8125, Duquesne University, corresponding author), Timothy D Smith (0000-0002-9697-2095)
Year2005
Volume127
Issue2
Pages219-230
Publication date2005-06-01
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueAmerican Journal of Physical Anthropology (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 0002-9483 • E-ISSN: 1096-8644
PublisherWiley (PUBLISHER • GB)
DOI10.1002/ajpa.20183
PMID15503337
OpenAlexW2150113510
LanguageEN
Citations received5
References cited59

Euclidean distance matrix analysis (EDMA) of three-dimensional data is used here to examine mandibular morphology between two species of galagos. Otolemur crassicaudatus consumes primarily exudates, while O. garnettii is more frugivorous. Acquisition of exudates involves either gouging or scraping tree bark, and may involve different forces at the mandible than incising fruits. Previous studies of mandibular morphology in exudate-feeding primates produced mixed results, some suggesting that morphological specializations reflect adaptations for greater force at the anterior dentition, while others suggest specializations for producing a large gape. This study addresses these controversies by testing predictions associated with O. crassicaudatus generating greater force at the anterior dentition or producing a larger gape relative to O. garnettii. In addition, this study tests predictions associated with specializations of the anterior dentition in O. crassicaudatus as related to exudate-feeding. Crania and mandibles from 28 O. crassicaudatus and 17 O. garnettii were digitized in three dimensions, using 18 landmarks that summarize the shape of the jaw. Two-dimensional measurements were taken to assess incisor robusticity. All three-dimensional data were analyzed using EDMA, and bootstrap tests were executed to identify specific interlandmark differences that were driving any significant (P < 0.05) overall shape differences. Two-dimensional data were analyzed using Student's t-test for independent measures. Results revealed that there was a significant shape difference in mandibles between species, and that mandibles of O. crassicaudatus showed higher condyles, longer mandibles, decreased incisor procumbency, and greater incisor robusticity relative to O. garnettii. It is suggested that the results of the present study reflect adaptations for scraping in O. crassicaudatus rather than gouging

Biology · Botany · Crania · Dentition · Exudate · Genus · Incisor · Mandible (arthropod mouthpart) · Morphology (biology) · Zoology · Anatomy · Animal Behavior and Reproduction · Animal Vocal Communication and Behavior · Ecology · Primate Behavior and Ecology