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.