HYPSELODONT Meaning and
Definition
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Hypselodont is an adjective that refers to the dental condition characterized by continuously growing teeth. This term is commonly used in the field of dentistry and zoology to describe teeth that possess an open-rooted structure, enabling them to grow and erupt continuously throughout an animal's life. Hypselodont teeth are typically found in herbivorous or omnivorous mammals, such as rodents, lagomorphs, and some ungulates.
Unlike other types of teeth, which have a fixed length and are eventually worn down or lost, hypselodont teeth exhibit a unique adaptation for sustained chewing or grinding of tough plant material. The continuous tooth growth compensates for the gradual wear caused by the animal's diet, ensuring that they maintain functional dentition.
Hypselodont teeth are characterized by distinct anatomical features, including an open-rooted structure, high and elongated crowns, and a well-developed reserve crown buried within the jawbone. The ongoing eruption of these teeth is regulated by the gradual replacement of old tooth material with new tissue, a process known as odontogenesis.
From an evolutionary standpoint, hypselodonty is considered an advantageous adaptation in animals that rely on abrasive or fibrous diets. It provides them with a constant supply of teeth that can effectively process the tough plant matter, ensuring efficient mastication and digestion.
Common Misspellings for HYPSELODONT
- gypselodont
- bypselodont
- nypselodont
- jypselodont
- uypselodont
- yypselodont
- htpselodont
- hgpselodont
- hhpselodont
- hupselodont
- h7pselodont
- h6pselodont
- hyoselodont
- hylselodont
- hy-selodont
- hy0selodont
- hypaelodont
- hypzelodont
- hypxelodont
- hypdelodont
Etymology of HYPSELODONT
The word "hypselodont" is derived from the Greek words "hypsēlos", meaning "high", and "odontos", meaning "tooth". These terms are combined to form "hypselodont", which literally translates to "high-toothed" or "high-crowned". It is used in biology and zoology to describe teeth that have an extended or tall crown that continuously grows throughout an animal's life.
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