Estimation of age from stained sections of canine teeth in the Cape fur seal (Arctocephalus pusillus pusillus).

ABSTRACT

Methods of cutting and staining thin sections of Cape fur seal canines are described. The accuracy of age determination from the histology of the prepared sections and the suitability of the sectioning method is assessed. Known-age canines were used to validate age determination. Longitudinal sections along the midline enable growth layer groups (GLGs) in the dentine to be counted along the length of the canine root. GLGs in the cementum were either absent, or returned estimates of age that were too low. Only GLGs in the dentine of female upper canines could be used to determine age reliably, and only for the < 10 year age-classes.