Question

Which of the following terms describe human dentition?

• A. Pleurodont, Diphyodont, Heterodont
• B. Thecodont, Diphyodont, Heterodont
• C. Pleurodont, Monophyodont, Homodont
• D. Thecodont, Diphyodont, Homodont

Answer 1

The correct option is B

Thecodont, Diphyodont, Heterodont

The correct option is B.

Explanation of the correct option:

1. Thecodont: Each tooth is inserted into a jawbone socket. Thecodont is the name given to this kind of tooth attachment. The 32 permanent teeth of an adult human are divided into four main tooth types: incisors, canines, premolars, and molars.
2. Diphyodont: Any animal with two sets of teeth, first the "deciduous" set and then the "permanent," is said to be a diphyodont. Since they require a robust, long-lasting, and full set of teeth to chew their food, most animals are diphyodonts.
3. Heterodont: When a tooth row has incisors and canines on the rostral and cheek teeth (premolars and molars) on the caudal sides, it is said to have heterodonty. Mammals have four different tooth classes: incisors, canines, and premolars are deciduous teeth that are replaced; molars are not.

Explanation of the incorrect options:

Option A:

1. Human dentition is diphyodont and heterodont but not pleurodont.
2. Pleurodont: Snakes and many lizard species, such as iguanid lizards and monitor lizards, have pleurodont teeth.
3. With pleurodont dentition, more of the tooth's surface area comes into touch with the jawbone, strengthening the attachment. All throughout life, pleurodont teeth are constantly replaced.

Option C:

1. Human dentition is not pleurodont, monophyodont, homodont.
2. Monophyodont: Having a single set of teeth, none of which are replaced as the person grows
3. Homodont: The majority of animals, including fish, amphibians, and reptiles, have homodont dentitions, in which all teeth are of the same functional and anatomical type, albeit their sizes may vary depending on the position. Some teeth may occasionally be modified to serve as snake fangs.

Option D:

1. Human dentition is thecodont, heterodont but not homodont.
2. Homodont: The majority of animals, including fish, amphibians, and reptiles, have homodont dentitions, in which all teeth are of the same functional and anatomical type, albeit their sizes may vary depending on the position. Some teeth may occasionally be modified to serve as snake fangs.

Final answer: Human dentition is described as Thecodont, Diphyodont, and Heterodont.