Differences and Similarities: Comparative Methods in Mastication

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Abstract
Comparison is the key to biological study and both similarities and differences aid in sharpening our understanding of structures and processes. The initial comparison represents an observational level; followed by decisions aboutpossible homology, analogy and homoplasy which represent levels that have less certainty. Analogous homoplasies are presumably the most useful conditions for characterizing functional constraints. Operational criteria are discussed, as are minimal technical standards for procedures permitting characterization of functions and roles in the masticatory system.

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