Premium
Tooth eruption in Reeves' muntjac (Muntiacus reevesi) and its use as a method of age estimation (Mammalia: Cervidae)
Author(s) -
Chapman D. I.,
Chapman Norma G.,
Colles C. M.
Publication year - 1985
Publication title -
journal of zoology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.915
H-Index - 96
eISSN - 1469-7998
pISSN - 0952-8369
DOI - 10.1111/j.1469-7998.1985.tb03529.x
Subject(s) - biology , molar , maxillary central incisor , sexual dimorphism , permanent tooth , permanent teeth , canine tooth , tooth eruption , mandibular canine , deciduous , dentistry , orthodontics , anatomy , zoology , medicine , ecology , paleontology
The sequence of tooth eruption and replacement in Reeves' muntjac was determined from captive animals of known age. Pronounced sexual dimorphism is shown by the permanent upper canine which in the male is large, tusk‐like and is used as a weapon. The upper canine was the first deciduous tooth to be replaced in males, at approximately 21 weeks of age, compared with 53–57 weeks in the female. The permanent mandibular teeth erupted in the order: molars, first and second incisors, premolars, third incisor and canine. The maxillary teeth erupted in the order: first molar, canine (in male), second and third molars, canine (in female), premolars. The full complement of 34 functional permanent teeth was attained by 83–92 weeks of age.