Question

How do the teeth of Old World monkeys and apes differ? a. Old World monkeys have a diastema, whereas apes do not. b. Old World monkeys have a 2/1/3/3 dental formula, whereas apes have 2/1/2/3. c. Apes have a tooth comb, but Old World monkeys do not. d. Apes have a Y-5 pattern of cusps, whereas Old World monkeys have a bilophodont pattern.

Answer 1

Answer:

The correct answer is D: "Apes have a Y-5 pattern of cusps, whereas Old World monkeys have a bilophodont pattern".

Explanation:

Apes and old world monkeys only have four kinds of teeth: two incisors, one canine, two premolars, and three molars. This dental formula is 2.1.2.3.

The old world monkeys characterize for having molars with four cusps joined by ridges. They have bilophodont teeth with better crushing, shearing and wearing capabilities than apes.  

Apes´molars have 5 cusps, a Y-shaped space between those raised points, and no transverse lophs. These characteristics are known as the Y-5 pattern.