Dentition of Herbivores (Horse) Diagram

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Questions and Answers

What is the function of canines in herbivores?

Used for gnawing
Used for grinding
Pointed shape and serve no purpose (correct)
Cutting food

What shape are incisors and what are they used for?

Chisel shape; used for gnawing and cutting.

What is the purpose of molars and premolars?

Used for grinding tough parts of plants (cellulose).

What is diastema and its function in herbivores?

Large empty space between front incisors and premolars; allows food to be pushed between the upper and lower jaw to be stored briefly in the cheek. Signup and view all the answers

What is the size of the mouth opening in herbivores?

Relatively small. Signup and view all the answers

Where is the jaw joint located and what does it allow?

Above molar line; allows good side-to-side and front-back motion, but no up-down motion. Signup and view all the answers

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Study Notes

Dentition of a Herbivore (Horse)

Canines: Pointed shape, reduced or absent in herbivores, serving no function.
Incisors: Chisel-shaped teeth designed for gnawing and cutting plant material.
Molars and Premolars: Broad and flat, specifically adapted for grinding tough plant parts, such as cellulose.
Diastema: A significant gap between front incisors and premolars; enables food manipulation and temporary storage in the cheek, allowing for continuous eating without the need to chew each piece thoroughly.
Mouth Opening: Relatively small, facilitating the intake of manageable plant portions at a time.
Jaw Joint: Located above the molar line, permits extensive side-to-side and front-back jaw movement, but does not allow for vertical, up-and-down motion.