Molar size sequence in the great apes: gorilla, orangutan, and chimpanzee.

In ape dentitions the common molar size sequence is assumed to be MC greater than M2 greater than M1. This sequence is held in contrast to the assumed human sequence, M1 greater than M2 greater than M3. Using mesiodistal, buccolingual, and cross-sectional area dimensions, this study indicates that the molar size progression in all three great ape species varies extensively from the assumed sequence.