brachydont tooth

zoology

Also known as: brachydont teeth

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Last updated

June 22, 2026

Quick Summary

Brachydont teeth are characterized by low crowns and long, narrow root canals, with separate, low, rounded cusps. This type of tooth is considered primitive in mammals and is found in early perissodactyls, such as browsing members of the order Perissodactyla.1

In contrast, hypsodont teeth have high crowns, which are an adaptation for grazing. This evolutionary trend is seen in animals like horses, where the premolars and molars become highly specialized, with complicated surfaces and thick cement deposits. The development of brachydont teeth is a significant feature in understanding mammalian dental evolution and dietary adaptations.12

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perissodactyl
Teeth
…members of the order had brachydont cheek teeth (i.e., with low crowns and long, narrow root canals), with separate low, rounded cusps—the bunodont condition. Increasing specialization for grazing resulted in fusion of the cusps into ridges (lophs), thus teeth of this kind are called lophodont. Lower molars typically have two…
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…members of the order had brachydont cheek teeth (i.e., with low crowns and long, narrow root canals), with separate low, rounded cusps—the bunodont condition. Increasing specialization for grazing resulted in fusion of the cusps into ridges (lophs), thus teeth of this kind are called lophodont. Lower molars typically have two…
Read More