Heterodont
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Firsfron
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correct link to [[Dinosaur]], Replaced: [[dinosaurs]] → [[dinosaur]]s using [[Project:AutoWikiBrowser|AWB]]
The anatomical term '''heterodont''' (from [[Ancient Greek|Greek]], meaning 'different teeth') refers to [[animals]] which possess more than a single tooth [[morphology (biology)|morphology]]. For example, members of the [[Synapsida]] (which includes [[Mammalia|mammals]]) generally possess [[incisor]]s, canines ('eyeteeth'), [[premolar]]s, and [[molars]]. The presence of heterodont [[dentition]] is evidence of some degree of feeding/hunting specialization in a [[species]]. By contrast, homodont ('same teeth') dentition is the [[plesiomorphic]] state for [[vertebrates]], and is common in [[elasmobranch]]s, bony [[fish]], [[amphibians]], and most [[reptiles]]. Within the [[Sauropsida]], there are occasionally cases of heterodonty, in some forms of [[pterosaurs]] like ''Raeticodactylus filisurensis'', [[lizards]], and [[dinosaur]]s, for example.
The term '''heterodont''' can also refer to members of the Subclass [[Heterodonta]] of the Class [[Bivalvia]]. The name refers to the differentiated hinge teeth which hold together the valves of the shell.
==See also==
* [[Diphodonty]]
[[Category:evolution]]
[[Category:zoology]]
[[Category:teeth]]
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