Types of Teeth
Science · The Human Body · conceptual
Identify the four types of human teeth (incisors for cutting, canines for tearing, premolars and molars for grinding) and understand that tooth shape is linked to function, just as in other animals — herbivores have flat teeth, carnivores have sharp teeth
What mastery looks like
- Name the four tooth types and describe each one's job: incisors cut, canines tear, premolars/molars grind
- Compare human teeth to herbivore teeth (flat, for grinding plants) and carnivore teeth (sharp, for tearing meat)
- Explain that humans have all types because we are omnivores — we eat both plants and meat
Check your understanding
Can Types of Teeth look in a mirror, point out their different types of teeth, and explain what each type is for?
Prerequisites
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