Jaws of herbivorous mammals
Konishi, S.
Clinical Calcium 15(8): 1414-1417
2005
ISSN/ISBN: 0917-5857 PMID: 16062014 Document Number: 584543
The jaws of herbivorous mammals are characterized by their large occlusal surface of the molar; high crown of the molar; long snout; etc. However, elephants, the biggest herbivorous mammal, have other characteristics. In the evolutionary trends of proboscidean skulls, concomitant with the increase in tusk size comes on the enlargement, antero-posterior shortening, dorso-ventral elongation of the cranium with increasing cheek teeth size. Naturally, the jaw follows the same evolutionary trends as the cranium.