The presence of maxillary fourth molar in the Sri Lankan toque monkey (Macaca sinica aurifrons)

J Med Primatol. 2021 Aug;50(4):216-218. doi: 10.1111/jmp.12527. Epub 2021 May 7.

Abstract

We describe the presence of fourth molar teeth in the upper jaw of a subspecies (Macaca sinica aurifrons) of the endemic toque macaque of Sri Lanka. Compared to the first three molars, supernumerary ones were smaller by more than 50%, showed four cuspids in the crowns, and had three roots. This observation contributes to knowledge of orthodontic anomalies presence in primate populations while spotlighting the importance of osteological observation.

Keywords: dental anomalies; dental pathology; distomolars.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Macaca
  • Sri Lanka / epidemiology
  • Tooth, Supernumerary*

Supplementary concepts

  • Macaca sinica