Premolar 4? Or molar 1? Good question.
When scoring traits
in taxa we score homologous structures, no matter how much they may change in evolution. A good example is the fin-to-forelimb transition. Traits may even come and go. Witness the loss of the forelimbs or their transformation into wings.
Likewise tooth number and shape changes among many tetrapod taxa.
Figure 1. The premolar 4 or molar 1 question is posed here.
” data-medium-file=”https://pterosaurheresies.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/premolar4vulpavus588.jpg?w=162″ data-large-file=”https://pterosaurheresies.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/premolar4vulpavus588.jpg?w=552″ class=”size-full wp-image-91797″ src=”https://pterosaurheresies.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/premolar4vulpavus588.jpg” alt=”Figure 1. The premolar 4 or molar 1 question is posed here. ” width=”584″ height=”1084″ srcset=”https://pterosaurheresies.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/premolar4vulpavus588.jpg?w=584&h=1084 584w, https://pterosaurheresies.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/premolar4vulpavus588.jpg?w=81&h=150 81w, https://pterosaurheresies.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/premolar4vulpavus588.jpg?w=162&h=300 162w, https://pterosaurheresies.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/premolar4vulpavus588.jpg 588w” sizes=”(max-width: 584px) 100vw, 584px” />
Figure 1. The premolar 4 or molar 1 question is posed here. Note the evolution of molar 1 in Didelphis into a premolar shape in Vulpavus. So is this a middle tooth still a molar or a premolar?
Let’s be more specific.
Of the seven teeth that line the post-canine jaws of Didelphis and Vulpavus (Fig 1), the first three are the same premolar shape. The last three are the same molar shape. It’s that middle tooth that changes. In the more primitive Didelphis, it is an obvious molar. In the more derived Vulpavus it is different than a typical molar, more like a premolar.
So, what is that middle tooth? How should it be scored in this case?
Perhaps we should ask a few splitters and lumpers…
Whatever the answer is,
the most important thing to do is be consistent and transparent, making notes like this on ‘tough calls.’
My advice: take a holistic view. Look at the whole skull (Fig 1). Look at related taxa. Then make an informed decision and stick to it.
In this case
(Fig 1) tooth number = position will trump tooth shape.
Source: https://pterosaurheresies.wordpress.com/2025/02/22/premolar-4-or-molar-1-good-question/
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