The dentitions of the Tritheledontidae (Therapsida: Cynodontia)

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Abstract
Three previously described monospecific genera of ictidosaurians (Tritheledontidae) are recognized on the basis of their postcanine dentitions. The least specialized is Pachygenelus monus , Watson (1913), the complete dentition of which is described for the first time: five specimens are described and referred to this species. The postcanine teeth of Diarthrognathus broomi , Crompton (1958) are described for the first time; they are derivable from those of Pachygenelus though considerably more specialized. Tritheledon riconoi , Broom (1912), from which the family derives its name, consists of a single specimen containing upper post-canines only; these are not closely comparable with the uppers of the other two genera but bear a strong resemblance to the lower postcanines of Diarthrognathus . The family is closely implicated in the origin of mammals and the possibility of polyphyly in the origin of mammals is raised.

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