Question

Explain the term thecodont and diphyodont.

Answer 1

Thecodont is a type of dentition in which the teeth are embedded in the deep sockets of the jaw bone. Ankylosis is absent and the roots are cylindrical.

Examples include living crocodilians and mammals.

Diphyodont is a type of dentition in which two successive sets of teeth are developed during the lifetime of the organism. The first set of teeth is deciduous and the other set is permanent.

The deciduous set of teeth is replaced by the permanent adult teeth.

This type of dentition can be seen in humans.