How does a strepsirrhine dental comb help with feeding and grooming?

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A labeled cross section illustration of an adult human molar shows the tooth's crown and root, with layers including enamel, dentin, and pulp, as well as gum, cementum, blood vessels, periodontal ligament, lateral canals, and nerve. — tooth Cross section of an adult human molar.

The strepsirrhine dental comb is a specialized structure in the lower jaw formed by the lower incisors and canines, which are compressed from side to side and slanted forward.1

This unique anatomy serves several vital functions:

Feeding: The comb is used to scrape exudates (such as sap or gum) off tree bark, pierce fruit, and nip off leaves.1
Grooming: The structure is utilized to groom the fur, helping to maintain hygiene and social bonds.1

The degree of specialization varies among species; for instance, the fork-crowned lemur and the needle-clawed galago possess some of the most highly specialized dental combs for scraping exudates. Understanding these adaptations provides insight into the diverse anatomy and dietary strategies of strepsirrhines.1