A proposed terminology of theropod teeth (Dinosauria, Saurischia)

TLDR

Theropod teeth are rarely described in detail, and the lack of anatomical information hampers identification and taxonomic assignment of isolated specimens. The authors propose a standardized set of anatomical and morphometric terms for tooth subunits, together with a comprehensive methodology for describing isolated theropod teeth. Their methodology defines key crown subunits and ornamentation features and prescribes quantitative measurements to capture tooth morphology systematically. The study demonstrates that detailed anatomical descriptions are essential for resolving taxonomic uncertainty and reliably identifying isolated theropod teeth. Supplemental materials are freely available at www.tandfonline.com/ujvp.

Abstract

Theropod teeth are typically not described in detail, yet these abundant vertebrate fossils are not only frequently reported in the literature, but also preserve extensive anatomical information. Often in descriptions, important characters of the crown and ornamentations are omitted, and in many instances, authors do not include a description of theropod dentition at all. The paucity of information makes identification of isolated teeth difficult and taxonomic assignments uncertain. Therefore, we here propose a standardization of the anatomical and morphometric terms for tooth anatomical subunits, as well as a methodology to describe isolated teeth comprehensively. As a corollary, this study exposes the importance of detailed anatomical descriptions with the utilitarian purpose of clarifying taxonomy and identifying isolated theropod teeth.SUPPLEMENTAL DATA—Supplemental materials are available for this article for free at www.tandfonline.com/ujvp