Question

Explain how various teeth adapt mammals for nutrition

Answer 1

 

• Incisor; sharp; chisel-shaped; for biting; and cutting food; one root for support in the jaw bone;
• Canines; long; sharp; pointed; for holding prey; piercing; and tearing flesh from prey; single root; for support in the jaw bone;
• Premolars; large/wide; to increase surface area for grinding food; highly cusped; to increase surface area for grinding food; two roots; for firm support/anchorage in the jaw bone;
• Molars; large/wide; to increase surface area for grinding food; highly cusped; to increase surface area for grinding food;