The most distinctive feature of ape dentition, which clearly distinguishes apes from Old World monkeys, is a Y-5 molar pattern.
What is the Y-5 molar pattern?
- This is a distinctive type of molar teeth pattern found in apes and hominoids.
- In this, 5 cusps or raised surfaces are present on the grinding surface of teeth, roughly forming a Y- shape. Therefore, this is also known as Y-5 pattern.
- Whereas Old world monkeys have only 4 cusps on their lower molars present in a bilophodont pattern.
- A Y-5 molar is formed when the tooth is divided into different pieces which form the complete structure of the tooth.
- In bilophodont pattern the tooth is divided into 2 symmetric sections.
- The dental formula of apes is 2.1.2.3/2.1.2.3 i.e. 2 incisors, 1 canine, 2 premolars, 3 molars.
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