how does the structure of an incisor relate to its functions?

Question

how does the structure of an incisor relate to its functions?

Answer 1

The incisors of mammals are primarily involved in grasping food, and they're also involved in grooming, etc. They're highly modified in many mammalian lineages, and these modifications are related to their functions. Here are some examples, and you'll find much more interesting information in the link below:

- In rodents, the incisors are used for gnawing. Rodents have a single pair of upper and lower incisors, which are greatly enlarged (and in many cases they protrude forward). Furthermore, these incisors only have enamel on their outer surface (normally teeth are completely covered with an enamel layer); this outer surface is thus much harder and forms a chisel-like edge that is very appropriate for gnawing.

- In elephants, the incisors are greatly enlarged as tusks. They are ever-growing, and they lack enamel (the entire tooth is formed by dentine, also called ivory). Their function is related to defense and social interactions rather than feeding.

- In vampire bats, there are two pairs of upper incisors that are triangular and sharp as scalpels. These are used to cut a small wound in the skin of the victim; then the anticoagulant saliva of the bat keeps the blood flowing, and the bat licks it from the surface. These incisors are so sharp that the victim doesn't notice it's being attacked.

... see more examples in the Animal Diversity Web link below!

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EDIT: I had forgotten to mention another structural difference. In animals that use the teeth for gnawing or chewing hard foods (with high content of fiber and/or silica, grit, etc) the teeth that perform this function are ever-growing. Structurally speaking, this means that they don't have closed roots like our teeth, but are rather like long curved cylinders with an open base.

Answer 2

Incisor Function

Answer 3

There are a wide variety of different adaptations of the incisors. lemurs, for example use their inferior incisors, which form a "comb", to groom themselves. Or compare with the tusks of other animals.
In humans, it is for cutting the food.
In crocodiles they look like their other teeth. This is called homodonty, which means alls their teeth look alike. They are for grasping prey and ripping big bunches of meat out of them.

Answer 4

the first answerer is correct. incisors cut, that is their function. the structure, is the general shape - narrowing to a long thin line, much like a dull blade. they are shaped like this so they can cut efficiently without threatening our tongue.

Answer 5

incisors are used for cutting food