Evolution and Functional Morphology of the Dentition of Herbivorous Mammals

The functional analysis of dentition of herbivore mammals constitutes the basis for the understanding of habitat driven adaptation in food ecology. In order to produce a convincing reconstruction of habitat specific food adaptation in extant as well as in fossil ungulates, new methods for inferring dietary preferences and are being developed. Our focus in on the analysis of functional adaptation of the masticatory system (Enamel Ridge Morphometry, ontogenetic wear gradients and experimental occlusal mechanics). In our present work therefore bio-mechanic considerations play an important role.