Why do teeth come in different shapes and sizes?
Teeth vary in size and shape according to how to the animal is using them. Teeth perform different functions such as biting, slicing, chewing, crushing, cracking, gnawing, grooming, digging, defending, and communicating. Teeth that are long with broad, flat surfaces are useful for grinding plant food. Teeth with sharp, pointed cusps can tear apart leaves and insects. The narrow, sharp molars and carnassials of canines are used for cutting meat and crushing bone. Large canines, like those in baboons, can be shown to competitors to display dominance and aggression.
