Tooth shape and dentition patterns in Serrasalmidae demonstrate a strong functional relationship to diet11,12,13.
The dentition patterns of the cusps and other molar structures are complex and distinct, resembling those of modern mammals; however, Docodon and its close relatives, the docodonts, are only distantly related to living mammal groups.
We also note that the earlier tritubercular/tubercular-sectorial dentition patterns discussed in the Cope-Osborn theory were later renamed tribosphenic patterns sensu Simpson [23].
(Dentition patterns were used to determine the age of feral swine [ 13 ].) Female and male pigs were equally as likely to be seropositive (102 [9.6%] of 1,058 vs. 80[9.7%%] of 821).
To our knowledge, no assessment of permanent dentition caries patterns in adults without a priori surface classifications has previously been performed.
Erickson et al.30 estimated incubation period for dinosaurs assuming that the establishment of their functional dentition conformed to the pattern in modern crocodilians which begins at 42 52% of the total incubation period, values we use here for Troodon.
In particular the systematics of Amazonian salamanders has proven difficult because they are generally small, have similar derived morphological features such as extensively webbed digits, reduced dentition, and subtle colour pattern differentiation [ 23].
†Age category was estimated on the basis of patterns of dentition and tooth wear.
The etiology of dental caries is further complicated by the non-uniform risk across tooth surfaces of the full dentition leading to distinct patterns of dental decay, as previously described [ 13- 25].
As for milk production, the first mammals had probably begun producing milk as suckling is linked to the evolution of deciduous dentition or "milk-teeth"; the pattern of tooth replacement that sees a first set of teeth being replaced by a permanent adult set.
