The remarkable dynamics in the establishment, rearrangement, and loss of dentition during the ontogeny of the sterlet sturgeon

Abstract

Our survey shows the sterlet dentition as a dynamic organ system displaying differential composition at different time points in the lifetime of this fish. These dynamics represent a conspicuous feature of sturgeons, unparalleled among extant vertebrates, and appropriate to scrutinize developmental and evolutionary underpinnings of vertebrate odontogenesis.

Keywords

• Acipenser
• non-teleost fish
• esodontogenesis
• teeth patterning
• tooth development