The Teeth of Hypogeophis Rostratus (Amphibia, Apoda) and Tooth Structure in the Amphibia

The bipartite nature of the tooth has been recently used to demonstrate the close relationship between the three existing groups of Amphibia. However, Considerable doubt has remained as to the composition of the two parts of the tooth and the way in which they are linked. It order to clearify the position the teeth in Hypogeophis were examined. It is clear that the bulk of the crown and the pedicel is composed of dentine which is produced by a continuous layer of odontoblasts. This layer of cells is also responsible for the formation of the fibrous ring which joins the two portions of the tooth. This ring is regarded as an area where the odontoblasts produce fibres and little or no matrix.