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Tooth implantation and replacement in Sauropterygia

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Abstract

Tooth replacement and implantation of Sauropterygia is described with special reference to the generaPlacodus andNothosaurus. Tooth replacement is horizontal, with the exception of the enlarged crushing tooth plates on the maxilla, palatine, and dentary ofPlacodus (placodonts), which are replaced vertically. Tooth implantation is thecodont, with variable ankylosis of the base of the root. Sauropterygia is unique compared to other reptiles in that replacement teeth are “alveolarized.” The alveolarization of replacement teeth adds to the evidence supporting of a monophyletic Sauropterygia (Placodontia plus Eosauropterygia).

Kurzfassung

Der Zahnwechsel der Sauropterygier wird unter besonderer Berücksichtigung der GattungenPlacodus undNothosaurus beschrieben. Der Zahnwechsel erfolgt horizontal mit Ausnahme der Quetschzähne des Maxillare, des Palatinum und des Dentale vonPlacodus (Placodontier), welche vertikal ersetzt werden. Die Zahnimplantation ist thecodont, mit variabler Ankylosis an der Basis der Wurzel. Im Vergleich zu anderen Reptilien sind die Sauropterygier durch die “Alveolarisierung” der Ersatz-Zähne gekennzeichnet. Die Alveolisierung der Ersatz-Zähne liefert ein weiteres Merkmal zur Begründung der Monophylie der Sauropterygia (Placodontia und Eosauropterygia).

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  1. Department of Geology, The Field Museum, 1400 S. Lake Shore Drive, 60605-2496, Chicago, IL, USA

    Olivier Rieppel

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Rieppel, O. Tooth implantation and replacement in Sauropterygia. Paläontol Z 75, 207–217 (2001). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02988014

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