What term refers to the arrangement of teeth seen in some strepsirhines, useful for grooming?

The term that refers to the arrangement of teeth in some strepsirhines, which is specifically adapted for grooming, is known as the tooth comb. This unique dental configuration occurs in species like lemurs and lorises, where the lower incisors are elongated and closely spaced, creating a comb-like structure.

The primary function of the tooth comb is to assist in grooming behaviors, which are essential for social bonding, hygiene, and the removal of parasites and debris from fur. This grooming behavior plays a vital role in maintaining group dynamics within strepsirhine communities, as it promotes social interaction and solidarity among individuals.

In contrast, the dental formula specifies the number of each type of tooth in one quadrant of the mouth but does not focus on the functionality of the teeth for grooming. The cusp pattern refers to the shape and arrangement of the cusps on the surface of the teeth, which relates more to dietary adaptations. The incisal edge denotes the cutting edge of the incisors but lacks the grooming functionality attributed to the tooth comb. Thus, the tooth comb is literally suited for grooming, highlighting its importance in the social behavior of strepsirhines.