Growth of the Lens in Howler Monkeys (Alouatta caraya)

Abstract

The dry weight of the lens was determined from 17 fetuses and 245 free-ranging howler monkeys (Alouatta caraya Humboldt, 1812). Lens mass increased with age in animals of both sexes; however, the correlation between lens and body weight showed a lack of linearity, especially after puberty. A close relationship was observed between dry weight of the lens and wear of permanent dentition in postpuberal monkeys.