Question

What is the name given to teeth that are semilunar with enamel enclosing softer areas of dentin?
(a)Secodont
(b)Solenodont
(c)Hypsodont
(d)Pleurodont

Answer 1

Hint: These teeth are the type of molars and premolars found in ruminant herbivores. Such teeth are characterized by low crowns or dental caps and crescent-shaped cusps when viewed from the top.

Complete answer:
The top exterior of the premolar and molar is broad and has small projections known as the Lophs or cusps. The premolar and molar teeth are of four types based on the shape of cusps and they are Lophodont, Bunodont, Solenodont, and Carucsial. The lophodont type of teeth has lophs that are flat, large, and wide like in rabbits and elephants. The bunodont type of teeth has lophs that are tiny and spherical like in a human. The solenodont type of teeth has lophs that are huge and semilunar shapes like in ruminant animals which are cattle like a cow, buffalo, etc. The carucsial type of teeth has lophs that are pointed and long like in carnivorous animals. The word solenodont came from ancient Greek and means moon or moonlike tooth. The occlusal surface is not covered in enamel-like in humans. The layers of dentine, enamel, and cementum are exposed. The cementum lies in the middle with a layer of enamel being surrounded and then a layer of dentine which is all wrapped in a second outer layer of enamel.

So, the correct answer is ‘Solenodont’.

Note:
Secodont teeth are found in carnivore animals which are modified premolars for cutting meat from the bones of their prey. Hypsodont teeth have high crowned teeth with the enamel extending past the gum line that provides support for wear and tear and is found in cows and horses. Pleurodont teeth are on the lateral side of the jaw bone in reptiles.