Postcanine microstructure in Cricodon metabolus, a Middle Triassic gomphodont cynodont from south‐eastern Africa

摘要: Cricodon metabolus is a trirachodontid cynodont from the Anisian (Middle Triassic) of eastern and southern Africa. It has labiolingually expanded (gomphodont) postcanines but also sectorial tooth in last postcanine locus. In this paper, we examine crown microstructure isolated gomphodont belonging to holotype specimen taxon using scanning electron microscopy. The enamel both teeth prismless composed discontinuous columnar divergence units, supporting consistent presence synapsid cynognathians. Abundant tubules numerous irregularly spaced incremental lines are visible dentine layers each tooth. This study reveals that thickness varies along row as layer 11.5 times thicker than crown. likely difference reflects occlusal stresses fewer replacements relative teeth. Approximately 100 growth von Ebner present layer, indicating deposition by odontoblasts occurred for three months before animal's death.