An analysis of the canine tooth size of old world higher primates in relation to mandibular length and body weight.

Canine crown heights, measured from the cement-enamel junction to the cusp tip, were directly proportional to mandible length for 37 species of catarrhines (males and females plotted separately). The ratio canine height/mandible length was much greater for males than females. An allometric analysis revealed close relationships between canine size and body weight in males when the sample was split into hominoid, cercopithecine and colobine groups but not close for females. It is suggested that canine size in males is controlled by differences in mandibular form. Reasons for the variability of canine size in females remain unresolved.