Abstract
Length of the first molar in the upper jaw (M *) was compared with condylobasal length in 40 skulls of adult badgers (20 of each sex). In addition, the length, width, and height of all teeth except the vestigial first premolar were measured in 24 skulls of juvenile badgers (12 of each sex). All skulls originated in Switzerland. M1 length was weakly but positively correlated with condylobasal length in adult skulls of both sexes. There was a significant sex difference in condylobasal length but not in M1 length. Juvenile skulls showed a rostro-caudal gradient in tooth size in both jaws and both sexes within the incisor row (including the canine) and within the cheek teeth row. The size gradient in the cheek teeth was more expressed in the upper jaw. A strong sexual dimorphism in tooth size existed in the canines but not in the cheek teeth. We suggest that sexual dimorphism in canine size is more related to sexual and social behaviour than to feeding.
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