Determination of age in the brushtail possum using sections from decalcified molar teeth

Abstract A technique is described for preparing molars of Trichosurus vulpecula (Kerr) for age determination by decalcifying in ‘RDO’, sectioning with a freezing microtome, and staining in haematoxylin. Its main advantage over the usual technique of grinding, etching, staining, and polishing is the production of a series of sections from the same tooth. The use of cementum layers for possum age determination is discussed. There is a need for more information on the sequence and timing of cementum deposition in possum teeth.

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