tribosphenic

Three-cusped grinding type

Tribosphenic describes a type of molar tooth found in mammals, featuring a triangular arrangement of cusps on the upper teeth that shear against a basin-like structure on the lower teeth.

This design allows both cutting and grinding functions, enabling mammals to process diverse foods efficiently.

The tribosphenic molar is considered a key evolutionary innovation that appeared in early mammals and persists in many modern species.

sensename

molar

Rear crushing tooth

  • mammalWarm-blooded, milk-producing animal
  • toothCalcified jaw structure
  • cuspPoint of transition

occlusion · shearing · grinding · dentition · Mesozoic · enamel · mastication · crown · basin · crest

Categories
Opposites
molar tooth morphology

tribosphenichypsodont

Tall tooth with extended crown

carnassial

Family

sphenoid

Familiarity
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