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Teeth develop differently in different regions of the mouth in most species, a process called heterodonty. In some animals teeth develope identically in different regions of the mouth, a process called homodonty. A mixture of homodonty and heterodonty can occur. Different species will have varying numbers of teeth and different shapes depending largely on diet.
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Teeth develop differently in different regions of the mouth in most species, a process called heterodonty. In some animals teeth develop identically in different regions of the mouth, a process called homodonty. Different species will have varying numbers of teeth and different shapes depending largely on diet.
    
Not all species possess teeth and there is huge variation in dental formulae between the species that have teeth. Teeth are mainly used for mastication - chewing and grinding food particles, but are also used for seizing prey and tearing. The occlusion surface is where opposing teeth touch. The contact surface is where adjacent teeth touch.
 
Not all species possess teeth and there is huge variation in dental formulae between the species that have teeth. Teeth are mainly used for mastication - chewing and grinding food particles, but are also used for seizing prey and tearing. The occlusion surface is where opposing teeth touch. The contact surface is where adjacent teeth touch.

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