Scanning Electron Microscopic Observations on the Development and Structure of Tooth Enamel in Cervidae (Mammalia: Ruminantia)

Enamel formation and structure were investigated in 102 developing or erupted teeth of roe, fallow and red deer. Special attention was given to the topography of the forming enamel surface, the form, arrangement and course of enamel rods, its relation to interprismatic enamel and the occurrence of Hunter-Schreger-bands in the enamel. Discussed are the significance of the enamel pattern for the identification of certain taxa and the adaptive value of Cervidean enamel structures.