Heterodont
In anatomy, a heterodont (from Greek, meaning "different teeth") is an animal which possesses more than a single tooth morphology.[1] [2] For example, members of the Synapsida generally possess incisors, canines ("eyeteeth"), premolars, and molars. The presence of heterodont dentition is evidence of some degree of feeding and or hunting specialization in a species. In contrast, homodont dentition refers to a set of teeth that possess the same tooth morphology.
In invertebrates, the term heterodont refers to a condition where teeth of differing sizes occur in the hinge plate, a part of the Bivalvia.[1] In vertebrates, however, heterodont pertains to animals where teeth are differentiated into different forms such as incisors, canines, premolars, and molars.
References
- ^ a b A Dictionary of Earth Sciences. Encyclopedia.com. 10 October 2017.
- ^ Tanika, M. "Dentition in Mammals: Definition, Origin, Types and Unusual Teeth in Mammals". Retrieved 10 October 2017.
See also
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