Poems and Thoughts    by Frank Maurer

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They 'Otter' get it Right--Another Dentition Story. Dentition in mammals is not only important for survival, But also used to determine the relatedness of the various mammalian groups. Sea Otters in the Monterey Bay area have been studied for many decades. The interest in mammalian tool users is now more focussed research. Abalone and softer shelled creatures are first choices for otter food, But with more than 200 otters feasting in a concentrated area, The use of rocks, bottles, and other harder scavenged materials Are needed to crack snail shells and other more difficultly-opened armaments. Using tools have allowed smaller individuals as well as females to successfully compete. In addition, tool use has enhanced better tooth condition, Which also has increased the successful survivability of otherwise vulnerable individuals. Contrast this with how tool use in humans Has caused the hominids to maintain otherwise larger hominoid canines! (See 'Dig Your Canines into this One!' 18 May 2024.) Frank Maurer 25 May 2024 1210 Hours.