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The morphological basis of the underbite trait in langurs ( P. melalophus and T. cristatus ) with an analysis of adaptive and evolutionary implications
Author(s) -
Zingeser Maurice R.
Publication year - 1970
Publication title -
american journal of physical anthropology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.146
H-Index - 119
eISSN - 1096-8644
pISSN - 0002-9483
DOI - 10.1002/ajpa.1330320204
Subject(s) - biology , trait , adaptation (eye) , context (archaeology) , zoology , evolutionary biology , paleontology , neuroscience , computer science , programming language
Underbites or mandibular incisor protrusions are widely prevalent among Coloboid monkeys. The morphological basis of the trait is explored in two langur species differing with respect to its incidence. P. melalophus , characterized by a high occurrence of underbites, has mandibular incisors which are significantly wider than those of T. cristatus , the more “normative” occlusal group. No other statistically significant incisor metric differences are noted. Comparisons of convexgent traits in the Colobinae, Alouattinae, and Ruminantia support the contention that underbites are a herbivorous adaptation. The zoogeographic distribution of the trait in langurs is discussed in the context of evolutionary dynamics.