How do the teeth of tapirs differ from those of horses?

Tapirs and horses exhibit significant differences in their dental anatomy, reflecting their distinct evolutionary specializations.

• Specialization: Tapirs possess the least specialized, most primitive battery of teeth among living perissodactyls. In contrast, the grinding teeth of horses (Equidae) are highly specialized for grazing.1
• Crown Height and Structure: Tapirs have primitive, low-crowned brachydont cheek teeth. Horses have evolved high-crowned hypsodont teeth to withstand the wear associated with their diet.1
• Surface Features: Tapir teeth are bilophodont, featuring two simple transverse lophs (ridges), and they lack secondary cement on the crowns. Horse teeth feature a complex selenodont surface and are reinforced with thick deposits of secondary cement.1
• Molarization: Horses have undergone complete molarization, meaning all their grinding teeth are identical in size and form. Tapirs retain a more primitive arrangement.1

Are you interested in how these dental differences relate to the specific diets of these animals?