ON THE STEREOM MICROSTRUCTURE OF OPHIUROID TEETH

The tooth stereom microstructure of 43 species of ophiuroids, from 9 f amilies, was examined using light and scanning electron microscopy. Tw o basic types of teeth, uniform and compound, are present in ophiuroid s. From a mechanical standpoint, compound teeth may provide a tougher grinding surface for ingestion of prey Tooth types seem to be conserve d at the family level, with only two exceptions, and are considered in light of known feeding strategies. Macrophagous feeders generally pos sess uniform teeth whereas microphagous feeders possess compound teeth . Ophiocomina nigra and Ophiopteris papillosa (Ophiocomidae) possess t ooth types that are not in accord with other species in this family. P erhaps genera within this family are in need of reclassification.