Mammal Teeth Structure and Function

Study Notes

Mammals have three kinds of teeth: incisors, canines, and molars.
Incisors are flat teeth in the front of the mouth, used for biting and cutting food.
- Humans have four incisors on top and four on the bottom.
Canines are sharp, pointy teeth, used for killing and eating meat.
- Humans have four canines, two on top and two on the bottom.
Molars are teeth in the back of the mouth, used for grinding and crushing food.
- Humans have anywhere from 0 to 20 molars, depending on age.

Elephants have large incisors called tusks, used for tearing bark and digging up roots.
Walruses have large canines, used for poking holes in ice to find food.
Warthogs have curved canines, used for digging and fighting.
Narwhals have a long, spiraling canine tooth, used for sensing the environment.
Anteaters and pangolins have no teeth, using their sticky tongues to eat insects and small invertebrates.

Fish, amphibians, and reptiles have teeth that are all similar in shape and size.
Exceptions: venomous snakes have fangs, used for paralyzing prey.

Mammals have three types of teeth: incisors, canines, and molars.
Incisors are flat, front teeth for biting and cutting food, with humans having four on top and four on the bottom.
Canines are sharp, pointy teeth for killing and eating meat, with humans having four, two on top and two on the bottom.
Molars are back teeth for grinding and crushing food, with humans having 0 to 20, depending on age.

Carnivores have large canines for eating only meat.
Examples of carnivores include seals, cats, dogs, bears, ferrets, raccoons, wolves, and lions.

Elephants have large incisors called tusks for tearing bark and digging up roots.
Walruses have large canines for poking holes in ice to find food.
Warthogs have curved canines for digging and fighting.
Narwhals have a long, spiraling canine tooth for sensing the environment.
Anteaters and pangolins have no teeth, using their sticky tongues to eat insects and small invertebrates.