heterodonty

teeth

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July 16, 2026

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Heterodonty refers to the presence of different types of teeth in an animal's mouth, as opposed to homodonty, where all teeth are the same. This specialization allows for a varied diet. For example, mammals may have incisors for cutting, canines for tearing, and molars for grinding.1

The term "Heterodontus" specifically denotes a genus of sharks known for their distinct teeth adapted for crushing mollusks. Similarly, the biological classification "Heterodonta" describes bivalve mollusks with varied hinge and lateral teeth. This contrasts with toothed whales, whose simple, cone-shaped teeth are primarily for grasping prey, not chewing.2345

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primate
Teeth
…different kinds of teeth (heterodonty)—incisors, canines, and cheek teeth—is characteristic of all primates and indeed of mammals generally. Heterodonty is a primitive characteristic, and primates have evolved less far from the original pattern than most mammals. The principal changes are a reduction in the number of teeth and an…
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…different kinds of teeth (heterodonty)—incisors, canines, and cheek teeth—is characteristic of all primates and indeed of mammals generally. Heterodonty is a primitive characteristic, and primates have evolved less far from the original pattern than most mammals. The principal changes are a reduction in the number of teeth and an…
Read More