Homology in the Rate and Pattern of Eruption of Primate Dentition: A Narrative Review

Abstract

Adult antemolar dentition of mammals may consist of both permanent and retained deciduous teeth. Certain animals, such as Homo sapiens and Tarsius, develop sequence homology of three sets of teeth. A technique for reconsidering dental homologies is presented, and a model of tooth loss is given, following a reassessment of dental homologies in most primates. An essential component of the theory of evolution is the study of homology and the discovery of related species, particularly phylogenetic reconstruction. Scopus, PubMed, Web of Science and Google Scholar were the electronic databases utilized to gather pertinent information that satisfied the eligibility requirements. The databases' key terms led to the discovery of 125 articles in total. Eighteen articles were discarded based solely on the article's title and abstract, and eighty-seven articles were eliminated because of duplication or irrelevant themes. There is a relationship between dental morphology and tooth function, however, physical similarities do not always imply homology. A conclusion was derived that, diet, life history, and phylogeny are the primary factors that influence the rate of tooth eruption.