Pan troglodytes, commonly known as the chimpanzee, has a dental formula similar to that of humans. The maxilla, which is the upper jaw, contains a specific number of teeth. In a chimpanzee’s maxilla, there are 16 teeth. These include 2 incisors, 1 canine, 2 premolars, and 3 molars on each side of the upper jaw.
Here is a breakdown of the teeth in the maxilla:
- Incisors: 2 on each side (total of 4)
- Canines: 1 on each side (total of 2)
- Premolars: 2 on each side (total of 4)
- Molars: 3 on each side (total of 6)
This dental arrangement is crucial for the chimpanzee’s diet, which includes a variety of foods such as fruits, leaves, and occasionally meat. The incisors are used for biting, the canines for tearing, and the premolars and molars for grinding and chewing food.