Teeth and Diet in Mammals Flashcards

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Questions and Answers

Describe some features common to all mammals.

mammary glands, fur, four chambered heart

Which of the following is a characteristic of mammals?

  • They have a backbone (correct)
  • They lay eggs
  • They have fur or hair (correct)
  • They are cold-blooded

Describe a herbivore and the structure and function of their teeth.

Herbivores are animals whose digestive system is structured to eat producers (plants). They have chisel-like incisors for cutting plants, most do not have canines, and they have large flat molars for chewing.

Describe a carnivore and the structure and function of their teeth.

<p>Carnivores are animals whose digestive system is structured to eat consumers (other animals). They have incisors for cutting, sharp canines for tearing flesh, and carnassials for biting through bones.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What are the main differences and similarities between carnivore and herbivore dentition?

<p>Differences: Canines, large flat molars/carnassials; Similarities: Incisors, sometimes canines.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Describe an omnivore and the structure and function of their teeth.

<p>Omnivores are animals whose digestive system is structured to eat both plants and animals. They have incisors for cutting food, canines for tearing flesh, and flat molars for grinding.</p> Signup and view all the answers

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Study Notes

Mammals

  • Characterized by mammary glands, fur, and a four-chambered heart.
  • Possess a backbone and are warm-blooded.
  • Feed their young with milk produced by mammary glands.

Herbivores

  • Digestive system specialized for consuming plants (producers).
  • Incisors are chisel-like and located at the front, ideal for cutting plants.
  • Molars are large and flat, located at the rear, used for grinding and chewing foliage.
  • Lack prominent canines, although some may have tusks for defense.
  • Enhanced surface area on molars assists the enzyme 'amylase' in breaking down tough plant cell walls.

Carnivores

  • Adapted to consume other animals (consumers).
  • Incisors at the front are used for cutting meat from bones.
  • Sharp canines are designed for tearing flesh and piercing vital organs of prey.
  • Have carnassials, specialized molars that work vertically to create significant biting force, capable of crushing bones and slicing food into manageable pieces.

Differences and Similarities in Dentition

  • Differences:
    • Carnivores have sharp canines and carnassials, while herbivores possess flat molars tailored for grinding.
  • Similarities:
    • Both groups have incisors; some herbivores may have canines for defense.

Omnivores

  • Capable of consuming both plants (producers) and animals (consumers).
  • Chisel-like incisors at the front are used for cutting various food sources, including meat and plant matter.
  • Canines are sharp and effective for ripping and tearing.
  • Molars are flat with a broad surface area to grind plants effectively and help in the digestion of tough cell walls using 'amylase'.

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