Dental ontogeny of harp seals, Phoca groenlandica

• Published in: Canadian Journal of Zoology
• Main Authors: Stewart, R. E. A., Stewart, B. E.
• Format: Article in Journal/Newspaper
• Language: English
• Published: Canadian Science Publishing 1987
• Subjects: Harp Seal; Phoca groenlandica
• Online Access: http://dx.doi.org/10.1139/z87-225; http://www.nrcresearchpress.com/doi/pdf/10.1139/z87-225

Harp seal fetuses and neonates were examined to determine the development, resorption, and eruption characteristics of deciduous and permanent dentition. Early September fetuses had recently formed, deciduous teeth only. By early December the deciduous dentition was robust and enameled. Permanent teeth were also present. In late December the roots of the deciduous teeth were being resorbed and the permanent dentition was larger and better developed. About 80% of the deciduous teeth were resorbed by birth in March. The rest were resorbed or shed after birth. The pattern of permanent tooth eruption was not correlated with pup age but the total number of teeth erupted increased significantly with increasing pup age, from 38% in newborns to 100% in weaned pups about 3 weeks old. The neonatal line formed at birth rather than at weaning or the onset of moult.