What is homology?
Homology is a similarity in structures between species based on a common evolutionary ancestor.
What is analogy?
An analogy is a similarity in structures between species not based on a common evolutionary ancestor.
What is evolution?
Evolution is a net directional change in the characteristics of organisms over many generations.
What is natural selection?
Natural selection is a mechanism of evolution in which organisms adapt and change to its environment through selective reproduction.
What is a fossil?
A fossil is the preserved remains or traces of remains of an organism for a past age.
What is an omnivore?
An omnivore is an organism that eats a variety of things including plants, animals, algae, and fungi.
What is a carnivore?
A carnivore is an organism that feeds on the meat or flesh of other animals.
What is an insectivore?
An insectivore is an organism that feeds on insects.
What is an herbivore?
An herbivore is an organism that feeds on plants.
What is a browser?
A browser is an herbivore that feeds on low shrubs and trees.
What is a grazer?
A grazer is an herbivore that feeds on small plants such as grasses.
What is a gnawer?
A gnawer is an herbivore that feeds on hard plants, such as seeds and bark.
What is homodontic?
Homodontic organisms have all teeth with the same shape and/or size.
What is heterodontic?
Heterodontic organisms have teeth with different shapes and/or sizes.
What are incisors?
Incisors are chisel-shaped teeth with a sharp cutting edge. The term “incisor” is from the Latin phrase meaning “to cut.” These teeth are mainly used for obtaining food and tend to be located in the front area of the jaw.
What are cuspids?
The cuspid teeth, also called canines are conical shaped teeth that are primarily for stabbing, holding, and tearing the meat of prey. These teeth are prominent in dogs and appear as fangs. Most often, cuspids are located in the jaw behind the incisors.
What are bicuspids?
Bicuspid teeth, also called premolars get their names from having two cusps. Cusps are points or upward projections on the tooth for slicing and tearing food. Bicuspids have a broad chewing surface that makes them one of the most effective chewing teeth in the mouth. Bicuspids are located behind the cuspids in most organisms.
What are tricuspids?
Tricuspids, also called molars have three or more points or cusps. Humans typically have 4 or 5 cusps on their molars. These teeth have a large upper surface level and are used for crushing and grinding food. Tricuspids are usually located at the rear of the jaw and is very well developed in most mammals.
What is a dental formula?
A dental formula is a quick way to describe the number of each type of tooth in the jaw of an organism. The formula is represented by the following:
#incisors – #cuspids – #bicuspids – #tricuspids in upper jaw
#incisors – #cuspids – #bicuspids – #tricuspids in lower jaw
Homology describes similarities in anatomical and physiological structures in organisms of common ancestry. In this simulation, you’ll observe and analyze the dental structures of several vertebrates for beneficial adaptations that led to the survival of the species. Get ready to sink your teeth into this investigation.
