Publication Date
11-20-1969
Series Number
139
Abstract
The pattern of molar occlusion in the Late Jurassic mammal genus Docodon was determined by "mapping" the wear facets on all known upper and lower dentitions. The coincidence of lower and upper molar wear is evidence that the proposed occlusal pattern is correct. The lingual halves of the upper molars occlude in the lower intermolar basins formed by the adjacent halves of lower molars. The buccal halves of upper molars pass buccally to the lower molar row. The disposition of opposing cusps and crests, and the verticality of most wear facets, rieveals that molar function was primarily shearing rather than crushing. The vertical crenelations (or ribs and furrows) on the molar crowns are interpreted as accessory shearing edges.
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