Decoding the Age of Aussie Marsupials Through Their Teeth

Recent research has revealed that the age of Australian marsupials like kangaroos can be determined by examining their teeth. Unique growth lines and molar progression in their teeth provide vital information about their age, health, and even gender. These findings offer significant insights into wildlife ecology and conservation.

Melbourne, Jun 21 (The Conversation) - How do you ascertain the age of a wild animal? For certain Australian marsupials, their teeth hold the answer.

A new study published in the Archives of Oral Biology demonstrates that kangaroo front teeth can reveal their age in numerous ways, even indicating the animal's gender.

Determining the age of wild animals is critical for veterinarians, ecologists, and conservationists. Wildlife welfare and population health assessments hinge on knowing the age of the animals involved. While birthdays aren't counted in the wild, scientists often rely on teeth to estimate age.

Most Australian marsupials, such as kangaroos, wallabies, and koalas, are members of Diprotodontia, animals known for their large, straight incisor teeth in the lower jaws. Our research shows that these teeth never stop growing, providing a timeline of growth that can accurately age the animals.

Much like tree rings, teeth have growth lines. These lines form as enamel, dentine, and cementum—the hard tissues of teeth—accumulate over time. Annual growth lines found in different regions of kangaroo incisors offer an age record.

An unusual aging method involves molar teeth. Kangaroos have a unique adaptation where their molars move forward in their jaws, replacing old teeth as they wear down. This progression is a reliable age marker, similar to the method used to age elephants.

The study also found gender differences in the teeth, with male kangaroo incisors growing faster and wearing down more quickly than those of females. This information is significant for understanding animal ecology, shedding light on differing foraging behaviors.

Historically, Australia hosted a variety of giant kangaroo species, and these new methods may help scientists learn more about these extinct giants by studying their fossilized teeth.

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