engleski

Variations in shape, number and position of teeth in stone martens from island habitats (Croatia) – preliminary results

A total of 27 skulls of stone martens (Martes foina Erx., 1777) from the Mediterranean island habitat were examined for dental abnormalities. Irregular arrangement of lower incisors was observed in 7 individuals (25.9%). The P1 was absent bilaterally in 6 (22%) and unilaterally in 5 individuals (18.5%). In contrast, the P1 was absent only unilaterally in 2 cases (7.4%). Of other teeth, I1 was absent unilaterally in 2 cases (7.4%), while I2, C1 and P3 were missing in one case respectively (3.7%). We found only one supernumerary tooth, the upper right premolar. This condition was associated with rotation of P2 and P3 as a consequence of overcrowding. Rotation was observed on 6 premolars in total (two lower and four upper). Complicated crown fractures were observed on three skulls (11%). Fractures were only found on canines. Porosity of the alveolar bone was observed in one case of a fractured canine. Pronounced tooth wear was recorded in 7 skulls (25.9%). Congenital absence of teeth is a frequent finding in all carnivores, reflecting the evolutionary trend to a reduction of the number of teeth. The relatively low incidence of tooth fractures and the almost complete absence of periodontal diseases can be attributed to the fact that the majority of examined skulls originated from adolescent animals.

stone marten ; tooth ; dental abnormalities

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