Emma GUYONNEAU

During mammalian evolutionary history, high-crowned teeth appeared independently multiple times. Those hypsodont teeth are interpreted as a specialization for the consumption of abrasive foods. An increase in crown height and therefore in molar volume may impact overall cranial morphology. Furthermore, the prolonged growth associated with hypsodont teeth could lead to an acceleration of the rhythm of said growth to make up for the increased
abrasion.

To test these hypotheses, we will focus on a model group in which hypsodonty appeared convergently numerous times: Rodents. Geometric morphometrics and histology methodswill be employed in a two-stage study. First, at a specific level to characterize molar growth during ontogeny. Secondly, at a macroevolutionary level, to shed light on hypsodonty-associated morphological and growth patterns.

PhD under the supervision of Guillaume Billet and Helder Gomes Rodrigues.