Dental morphology patterns in Odontoceti (Cetacea, Artiodactyla)

• Grant number: 25/06816-0
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: August 01, 2025
• End date: July 31, 2026
• Field of knowledge: Biological Sciences - Zoology - Morphology of Recent Groups
• Principal Investigator: Joyce Rodrigues Do Prado
• Grantee: Talita da Costa Marçal
• Host Institution: Museu de Zoologia (MZ). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). São Paulo , SP, Brazil

Abstract

Dental morphology in odontocetes (Cetacea, Artiodactyla) exhibits a homodont condition, which differs from the heterodont pattern found in most mammals but resembles that of other aquatic vertebrates. Despite advances in understanding the ecology and evolution of this group, studies on dental morphological variation remain scarce, with existing literature primarily focused on age estimation or pathological analyses. However, dental morphology can provide valuable insights into evolutionary patterns linked to ecological niches, as demonstrated in other aquatic vertebrates like sharks, where tooth shape correlates strongly with feeding habits. In this context, this project aims to describe the dental morphology of odontocete species and correlate potential variations with ecology and phylogenetic relationships. Tooth shape will be investigated using geometric morphometrics, while diet, feeding behavior, habitat, and distribution will be characterized based on literature data and complemented by stable isotope analysis. The specimens to be analyzed belong to the Museum of Zoology of the University of São Paulo (MZUSP), providing a strategic advantage, as this institution houses one of the largest cetacean collections in the country. We expect the results to contribute to understanding the evolution of dental morphology in odontocetes, shedding light on how ecological and dietary pressures have influenced the group's diversification. Furthermore, complementary data on feeding ecology and habitat use, obtained through stable isotope analysis, may help define effective conservation strategies for these species. (AU)