FUNCTIONAL DIFFERENTIATION OF WOLF TEETH (CANIS LUPUS, CANIDAE, CARNIVORA)

摘要

The wolf's dentition is differentiated in accordance with its main functions that are performed by their components (blocks). Incisors I are aimed at biting out and biting off; canines and i(3), wounding; canines and all incisors, separating a part from the whole during attacking the prey and eating. Premolars' function is withholding during pulling off and transporting parts of the prey. Carnassials p(4)/m(1) are used not only to crack bones but also to cut soft tissues. Pressing surfaces of the talonids of m(1) H m's coronae are used to grind the food. The vector analysis of loads on teeth from all dentition blocks revealed morphological causes of the mechanical firmness of the teeth, which is related to the forms of coronae and roots. The pressure exerted by prey's tissues under jaw clenching, and loadings along the jaws at break are almost completely smoothed themselves out. Breaks of separate teeth are rare (0.2-1.3%), except for p and m(3). These teeth have no functional significance and are in the process of rudimentation, which is evidenced by their developmental disorder, much more often than in all other teeth. Simultaneous break of several premolars (canines in two cases) are caused by attempts of the wolf to escape from traps. Injuries from hooves of the resisting prey damage the dentition and lead to losses of foreteeth and traumas of the incisive bone and lower jaw. These traumas and traumas from inner-pack conflicts show a range of behavioral interactions in the packs of wolves.