Description Brasilodon

comparison of brasilodon (l) , brasilitherium (m) dentition, along other probainognathian dentition patterns

brasilodon quadrangularis characterized quadrangular upper , lower postcanines, secured jaw ossified periodontal ligament in root. each tooth row contains 6-8 upper postcanines , 8-9 lower postcanines; there little morphological variation seen in upper tooth rows, while lower tooth rows exhibit more variable morphology. upper postcanines considerably smaller lower postcanines, condition observed in many probainognathians. brasilodon can differentiated brasilitherium more derived lower postcanines. consists of prominent central cusp, anterior accessory cusp, , posterior accessory cusp, resulting in symmetrical distribution (this trait more derived other probainognathian). postcanines seen in brasilitherium, on other hand, has morganucondontid-like plan in lower postcanines. due size of diastema between canines , postcanines in largest brasilodontids, shows anterior postcanines lost faster in thrinaxodon (an cynodont).

although isn t known how many successional postcanine replacements there in brasilodon, known there more 1 replacement (polyphyodonty), , done same way many cynodonts, in postcanines replaced in alternate manner. postcanine replacement in brasilodon slow enough allow extremely strong wear develop in teeth. replacement slowed down on individual s lifespan , ceased long before death of individual. in cases, individual s tooth wore down on time less half height of crown still remaining.

brasilodontids postcanine replacement occurs same way many other advanced probainognathians (posterior-anterior direction), , differs mammaliforms in direction of tooth replacement. due unlimited skull growth. tooth replacement variation can perhaps attributed cynodont diet. herbivorous/omnivorous traversodontids species present widened postcanines , tooth replacement sequential. carnivores , insectivores non-mammaliaform probainognathians brasilodon present alternating tooth replacement instead. brasilodon can seen more derived morganucodon, close mammal relative, due upper , lower symmetrical dentition pattern.