On tooth anomalies and the loss of Canis lupus (Mammalia: Carnivora) in Turkey

Authors: ELİF YILDIZ AY, İRFAN ALBAYRAK

Abstract: Because of their feeding habits, which are affected by their ranking in the last steps of the food chain, the teeth of carnivores are subjected to great forces during the breaking up and chewing of food when they are hunting. In this sense, missing teeth and tooth anomalies are common in carnivores. This research was based on an examination of the properties of the tooth structures of 25 wolf specimens collected in Turkey between 2014 and 2018. In this study, the excess and missing teeth, tooth fracture, and root anomalies in the lower and upper jaw of the head skeletons from an adult age group were examined in detail. Some anomalies, defined as the supernumerary tooth, additional roots, and fusion roots, were found in 4 skulls; tooth loss was found in 6 skulls; tooth fractures were found in 7 skulls; and tooth remains were found in 4 skulls. Fusion roots, supernumerary teeth, and additional roots were among the important variations in dentition. Tooth loss, fractures, and remains, and dental anomalies were determined in approximately 56% of the specimens in this study. It can be conclusively stated that dental anomalies were frequently encountered in wolves in the Palaearctic Region.

Keywords: Dentition, tooth anomalies, gray wolf, Turkey

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