Evolutionary Tinkering of the Mandibular Canal Linked to Convergent Regression of Teeth in Placental Mammals (Current Biology)

Tooth loss in anteaters and pangolins represents a textbook example of convergent evolution. Ferreira-Cardoso et al. show that anteaters still present tooth neurovascular systems (dorsal canaliculi) while pangolins do not. As in baleen whales, osseous and neurovascular structures of the anteater mandible were rewired following the loss of teeth.