Search

The deflecting wrinkle is a well-known character state of the lower m2 and M1 of the human dentition, but there is little information regarding its presence in great apes. The deflecting wrinkle is more frequent on M2-3 in all extant pongid genera studied in this paper except Pan paniscus, in which M1 has the highest frequency (16.0%) and in which this wrinkle is absent on M3. In Gorilla, it is absent on M1, with only a low incidence on M2-3. Its greatest frequency in Pongo is always on M2 (20.2%), which is the greatest expression of the trait in the great apes. We interpret the presence of the deflecting wrinkle as an incidental effect and suggest that it represents a plesiomorphic character state in the Hominoidea.

The rhesus monkey probably has the same sequence of calcification of deciduous teeth as man: central incisor, first molar, lateral incisor, cuspid, and second molar. Initial calcification of the deciduous molar cusps is somewhat similar to that of man.

Evidence suggests that in rhesus monkeys calcification in the mandibular permanent first molar commences much earlier than has been previously reported. This tooth is the first secondary dental element to calcify, as it is in man.