The biology behind the counts: tooth development related to age estimation in beluga (Delphinapterus leucas)

Authors

  • Barbara E Stewart Sila Consultants, 1218 Marchand Road, Howden, Manitoba, R5A 1J6
  • Robert EA Stewart Department of Fisheries and Oceans, Freshwater Institute, 501 University Crescent, Winnipeg, Manitoba, R3T 2N6

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.7557/3.3195

Keywords:

age estimation, growth layer groups, beluga, Delphinapterus leucas, teeth

Abstract

The widely accepted method of determining ages of beluga is to count dentine growth layer groups (GLGs) in median, longitudinal sections of a tooth. It is essential to understand how these growth layers form and to consider developmental factors that can confound their enumeration to be able to provide meaningful age estimates. Here we provide information on, and illustrate, the developmental biology of beluga teeth as it relates to interpreting GLGs. Key factors are: evaluating the presence and occlusal wear of fetal dentine; interpreting early-formed diagnostic features such as the neonatal line; assessing the last-formed growth layer adjacent to the pulp cavity; identifying the presence of nodes at the dentine-cementum interface to assist in counting GLGs; and recognizing  pulp stones and accessory lines in the dentine which may hinder the age estimate process.

Author Biography

Barbara E Stewart, Sila Consultants, 1218 Marchand Road, Howden, Manitoba, R5A 1J6

Scientific Secretary

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Published

2014-11-26

How to Cite

Stewart, B. E., & Stewart, R. E. (2014). The biology behind the counts: tooth development related to age estimation in beluga (<i>Delphinapterus leucas</i>). NAMMCO Scientific Publications, 10. https://doi.org/10.7557/3.3195

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