Abstract
ABSTRACT Specimens of Nothrotheriops shastensis (25 juvenile mandibles or fragments, and 22 maxillae and fragments) from San Josecito Cave, Mexico, Shelter Cave, Conkling Cavern, Rampart Cave, and the tar seeps at Rancho La Brea were examined to determine (1) the patterns of tooth growth, eruption, and wear, and (2) the pattern of anterior facial growth. Although they lack enamel, sloth teeth have a hard outer layer of dentine structurally distinct from the softer central dentine. These two dentine types were present in all specimens, including the smallest juvenile (length of mandibular tooth row = 20.3 mm). Some tooth wear was present in all specimens. The alveoli for the ever-growing teeth extend to the ventral border of the mandibular ramus in adult sloths but not in juveniles. Both maxillary and mandibular tooth roots in juvenile sloths are tilted and curved, but in adults are more vertical and straight. Changes in tooth size and orientation during growth result in size and shape changes in the occlu...
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