Morphological adaptations of the muzzle and anterior dentition of the lesser mousedeer Tragulus javanicus (Osbeck) in relation to its dietary preferences

Sharma R.S.K., . and Vidyadaran M.K., . and Sumita S., . and Razeem-Mazlan A., . Morphological adaptations of the muzzle and anterior dentition of the lesser mousedeer Tragulus javanicus (Osbeck) in relation to its dietary preferences. pp. 57-62. ISSN 9128-2506

The skills and mandibles of seven (2 males 5 females) adult lesser mousedeer (Tragulus javanicus) were subjected to various morphometrical analysis in order to determine adaptations to dietary preferences. The muzzle is narrow (10.40.5 mm) and elongated with a relative muzzle width of 1.44 units. These feastures of the muzzle enable T. javanicus to select succulent nutritious plant material among the more matured high fibrous foliage. The central incisor is the largest of the incisors and possesses a broad crown (2.90.3 mm) and narrow neck. The two lateral incisors are relatively narrow sickle shaped and possess sharp crowns (0.30.1 mm). The lower canine is incisiform chisel shaped and incorporated into the lower incisor arcade. The incisor width ratio of 8.06 units is higher than that reported for other ruminant artiodactyles. It is suggested that such dental specialization is an adaptation suitable for nibbling and cutting soft ripe fruit. The incisors are upright and cupped with an incisor insertion angle of 47.8 2.9 degrees. We suggest that this is an adaptation to dig into soft ripe fruit pulp. The morphology of the muzzle and anterior dentition of T. javanicus exhibit an adaptation to select a diet consisting of succulent highly nutritious plant material typical for a selective browser.

Full text available from: Official URL: https://www.mavma.org.my/1996-volume-8-issue-no-2-...

Abstract

The skills and mandibles of seven (2 males 5 females) adult lesser mousedeer (Tragulus javanicus) were subjected to various morphometrical analysis in order to determine adaptations to dietary preferences. The muzzle is narrow (10.40.5 mm) and elongated with a relative muzzle width of 1.44 units. These feastures of the muzzle enable T. javanicus to select succulent nutritious plant material among the more matured high fibrous foliage. The central incisor is the largest of the incisors and possesses a broad crown (2.90.3 mm) and narrow neck. The two lateral incisors are relatively narrow sickle shaped and possess sharp crowns (0.30.1 mm). The lower canine is incisiform chisel shaped and incorporated into the lower incisor arcade. The incisor width ratio of 8.06 units is higher than that reported for other ruminant artiodactyles. It is suggested that such dental specialization is an adaptation suitable for nibbling and cutting soft ripe fruit. The incisors are upright and cupped with an incisor insertion angle of 47.8 2.9 degrees. We suggest that this is an adaptation to dig into soft ripe fruit pulp. The morphology of the muzzle and anterior dentition of T. javanicus exhibit an adaptation to select a diet consisting of succulent highly nutritious plant material typical for a selective browser.

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Item Type:	Article
AGROVOC Term:	Deer
AGROVOC Term:	Animal feeding
AGROVOC Term:	Animal morphology
AGROVOC Term:	Adaptation
AGROVOC Term:	Mouth
AGROVOC Term:	Teeth
AGROVOC Term:	Feeding behaviour
AGROVOC Term:	Diet preferences
AGROVOC Term:	Succulent plants
AGROVOC Term:	Health diets
Depositing User:	Mr. AFANDI ABDUL MALEK
Last Modified:	24 Apr 2025 00:54
URI:	http://webagris.upm.edu.my/id/eprint/8865

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