Tooth length, curvatures and feeding ecology
Dentary tooth length (LC) in our sample varies 18-fold
(0.37 – 6.68mm), with a mean of around 1.2mm. The average curvature
(mean angle) of the teeth varies between 46 – 113º, with a median of
around 70.6º. The maximal degree of curvature varies between 99 – 332°
with a median around 194° (Fig. 2-3). We found significant, yet weak,
positive correlations between teeth length and the mean (P=0.03, R=0.26)
and max degrees of curvature (P=0.03, R=0.27). The correlation between
the mean and max degrees of curvature is also significant; snakes with a
higher mean curvature also have a high maximal angle of curvature
(P<0.0001, R=0.64).