Mammalian teeth and dental formulas

What does the 1st number stand for?

Incisors (I)

What does the 2nd number stand for?

Canines aka cuspids (C)

What does the 3rd number stand for?

Premolars aka bicuspids (PM)

What does the 4th number stand for?

Molars (M)

I.C.PM.M / I.C.PM.M

numbers before the / are?

Maxillary teeth

I.C.PM.M / I.C.PM.M 

numbers after the / are?

Mandibular teeth

How do you get the total number of teeth of a mammal using the dental formula?

(maxillary teeth)(2) + (mandibular teeth)(2) = total number of teeth.

Do all mammals have a maxillary dental formula and mandibular dental formula that have the same number of teeth?

No

Do mammals dental formala differ between their primary/deciduous dentition and permanent dentition?

Yes

Primary teeth in humans dental formula

2\.1.0.2 / 2.1.0.2

Adult teeth in humans dental formula

2\.1.2.3 / 2.1.2.3

Muskrat dental formula

1\.0.0.3 / 1.0.0.3

Beaver dental formula

1\.0.1.3 / 1.0.1.3

Raccoon dental formula

3\.1.4.2 / 3.1.4.2

Bobcat dental formula

3\.1.2.2 / 3.1.2.2

Gorilla dental formula

2\.1.2.3 / 2.1.2.3

Cat dental formula

3\.1.1.2 / 3.1.1.2

Rabbit dental formula

2\.0.3.3 / 1.0.2.3

Opossum dental formula

5\.1.3.4 / 4.1.3.4

Mammals have a variety of tooth shapes referred to as

“Heterodont”

Due to the specialized functions of specific teeth.

Are mammal teeth polyphydont or diphydont?

Diphydont

There are two successive sets of teeth: deciduous and adult teeth.

Functions of mammalian teeth

Cutting, tearing, chewing, gnawing, and grinding

Incisors function

Snipping and biting

Canines function

Piercing

Molars function

Crushing and grinding

How are the incisors of the vampire bat “specialized teeth”?

They make incisions for obtaining blood

What are the tusks in elephants?

Incisors

What are the tusks in walrus’s and what are they used for?

Canine teeth. Used for defense or are a sexual dimorphic characteristic.