Fig. 20 in A Possible Heptaxodontine and Other Caviidan Rodents from the Quaternary of Jamaica

Fig. 20. Effects of extreme wear on heptaxodontine dentitions. (A) Ventral aspect of palate (AMNHP 140818) of aged individual of Elasmodontomys obliquus from Toraño Cave, Puerto Rico, showing broken right P4–M2 with root ends still in their sockets (M3 still intact). Anthony (1918) thought that the P4s of this animal were still functional at the time of death, although this is now difficult to corroborate because the occlusal surface of the remaining P4 is shattered. In any case, what is left of the tooth still projects well above the alveolar border and appears to consist entirely of dentinal tissue (no enamel). (B) Occlusal view of jaw (AMNHP 140819) of E. obliquus from same locality, showing worn p4 root exposed in its alveolus (other teeth lost). Note complete closure of mental suture (ms).