March 22, 2024
[Press Release]Multi-cusped postcanine teeth are associated with zooplankton feeding in phocid seals.
Release Summary
Have you ever seen a seal's teeth? Some species have conical teeth like a dog's canine teeth, while others have unique, comb-like teeth with well-developed cusps. So, what’s the difference between those species, and what role do the comb-like teeth have? In this study, a team of researchers including Uno Ishihara, Department of Evolutionary Studies of Biosystems, The Graduate University for Advanced Studies, SOKENDAI, found that species that consume more zooplankton tend to have more developed cusped teeth. This suggests that the cusped teeth morphology may be functional when feeding on tiny zooplankton.