March Mammal Madness Vocabulary Practice Test

Lophodont dentition means the molars have broad, enamel ridges that run side to side, creating a continuous grinding surface. This setup is ideal for breaking down tough, fibrous plant material. Elephants are classic examples of this pattern: their back molars are covered with multiple ridged crests that grind vegetation efficiently, and as they wear down, new molars form in sequence to keep grinding ability strong over a long life. In contrast, the other animals listed have tooth shapes suited to other diets—lions with sharp, pointed teeth for tearing meat; bears with dentition that reflects omnivory but not the characteristic ridged grinding surface; and shrews with sharp, simple teeth for insect capture—not grinding down tough plants.