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Studies of tooth implantation in fossil tetrapods using high-resolution X-radiography

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  01 May 2009

N. C. Fraser  and
C. G. Shelton
N. C. Fraser
Affiliation:
Department of Zoology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 3EJ
C. G. Shelton
Affiliation:
Shell Research Ltd., Thornton Research Centre, P.O. Box 1, Chester CHI 3SH
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Abstract

The concept that reptilian tooth implantations fall neatly into a number of separate categories which can be used in phylogenetic studies is called into question. The use of microfocal X-radiography in preliminary studies of reptilian dentitions reveals that, at least in sphenodontids, there is no clear distinction between acrodonty and pleurodonty. Although the technique is used here specifically in connection with microvertebrates, it may have considerable potential in evaluating internal structures in a wide range of fossils.

Type
Articles
Information
Geological Magazine , Volume 125 , Issue 2 , March 1988 , pp. 117 - 122
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 1988

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