Some metric aspects of the permanent and deciduous dentition of the pygmy chimpanzee (Pan paniscus)

A search of the literature reveals that odontological data on the pygmy chimpanzee is almost completely lacking. The great usefulness of such data for the interpretation of fossil pongids is recognized. This investigation presents some basic descriptive statistics of five crown dimensions of the permanent and deciduous teeth of the pygmy chimpanzee. A sample of 140 individuals (composed of males and females of all ages) was investigated. No marked degree of sexual dimorphism was noted in any of the measurements of the deciduous dentition. Only the permanent canine exhibited a significant degree of sexual dimorphism. In individuals showing pronounced dental wear it was observed that mesiodistal tooth dimensions were reduced as a result of dental wear. Statistical comparisons of dental dimensions between Pan paniscus and Pan troglodytes suggest significantly larger teeth for the latter species.