Comparative anatomy of the skulls of primates

Loris- Loris spp

• As the brain is small, brain case is smaller than the other primates.
• Well developed supra orbital crest is present.
• Post orbital bar is also completed.
• Tympanic bulla is reduced.
• Comparatively short face.
• Eyes are forwardly directed and large.
• All teeth are pointed.
• Incisors in upper jaw are small.
• Dental formula:- 2/2, 1/1, 3/3, 3/3

Gorilla- Gorilla gorilla

• Brain case is quite smaller comparing to the whole skull.
• Low brain capacity comparative to the other Anthropoides.
• Flat supra occipital bone.
• Supra orbital bone is prominent.
• Supra occipital, supra orbital and temporal crest are well developed for a strong muscle attachment.
• Gorilla is a carnivore animal. Therefore the canines are much elongated and sharp.
• Males have larger canines than the female.
• Dental arch is rectangular.
• Dental formula is 2/2, 1/1, 2/2, 3/3

Orang Utang- Pongo spp

• Brain case is smaller comparative to the whole skull.
• Rounded supra occipital bone.
• Supra orbital ridges are not much prominent as in gorilla.
• Supra occipital and temporal crests are well developed.
• Males have large canines.
• Molars are bilophodont.
• Dental formula:- 2/2, 1/1,2/2,3/3

Chimpanzee- Pan troglodyteq

• Brain case is not smaller comparing to the whole skull.
• Therefore the brain capacity is high.
• Skull surface is smooth and rounded.
• Supra occipital and temporal crests are absent.
• Snout is comparatively long.
• Dental arch is U shaped.
• Males have large canines.
• Dental formula:- 2/2, 1/1, 2/2, 3/3

Human- Homo sapiens sapiens

• Highest brain capacity is shown.
• Smooth and rounded skull.
• Chin is present.
• Flat facial area.
• Supra orbital ridges are much reduced.
• Deeply downward foramen magnum.
• Dental arch is U shaped.
• Canines are small.
• Dental formula:- 2/2, 1/1, 2/2, 3/3