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Differentiation of teeth is greatest in which of the following?

A) sharks
B) bony fishes
C) amphibians
D) reptiles
E) mammals

1 Answer

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Final answer:

Mammals have the greatest differentiation of teeth, characterizing them as heterodont, with varied tooth types for processing different foods unlike the lesser differentiation seen in sharks, bony fishes, amphibians, and reptiles.

Step-by-step explanation:

The question asks which group of animals exhibits the greatest differentiation of teeth. Differentiation of teeth refers to the variety of tooth shapes and sizes within an animal's mouth, adapted for different functions.

Mammals have the greatest differentiation of teeth among the options given. This characteristic is known as being heterodont. They have different types and shapes of teeth, like incisors, canines, premolars, and molars, which allow them to efficiently process a wide range of foods from plants to meat.

While sharks (members of Chondrichthyes) have multiple rows of teeth that can be replaced throughout their lives, they do not display the same level of differentiation as mammals. Bony fishes (members of Osteichthyes), amphibians, and reptiles exhibit less dental differentiation than mammals.

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