Teeth and Diet in Mammals Flashcards

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.

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. Signup and view all the answers

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

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

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

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. Signup and view all the answers

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'.

Description

Explore the characteristics of mammals, including herbivores, carnivores, and omnivores through these flashcards. Learn about mammalian features, their dietary classifications, and the structure and function of their teeth. Perfect for students studying biology or animal science.