How many teeth does a Dambov rat have? - briefly
The Dambov rat is equipped with twenty teeth in total. This count includes four incisors, twelve molars, and four premolars.
How many teeth does a Dambov rat have? - in detail
The Dambov rat, a member of the Muridae family, possesses a dental arrangement typical of rodents. Its permanent dentition consists of 16 teeth: four incisors, no canines, and twelve molars. The incisors are continuously growing, with a single pair in each jaw, and are adapted for gnawing. The molars are arranged in three rows per side—three premolars and three molars in the upper jaw, and three molars in the lower jaw—providing a total of twelve cheek teeth.
Key points of the dental formula:
- Upper jaw: 1 I + 0 C + 0 P + 3 M = 4 teeth per side
- Lower jaw: 1 I + 0 C + 0 P + 3 M = 4 teeth per side
- Combined total: 16 teeth
The incisors feature enamel only on the front surface, creating a self-sharpening edge as the softer dentin wears away during use. The molars are brachydont, with low crowns suited for grinding plant material. Growth of the incisors continues throughout the animal’s life, requiring regular wear to prevent overgrowth.
Variations in tooth count are rare; deviations typically indicate developmental anomalies or disease. In healthy individuals, the 16-tooth configuration remains constant across the species.