How many teeth does a field mouse have? - briefly
«A typical field mouse has sixteen teeth, comprising four incisors and twelve molars, with no canines.»
How many teeth does a field mouse have? - in detail
The common field mouse (Apodemus sylvaticus) possesses a compact dentition adapted for gnawing and grinding. Its dental formula, expressed per quadrant, is 1 incisor, 0 canine, 0 premolar, 3 molars, yielding a total of 16 teeth for the entire skull.
Key characteristics of each tooth type are:
- Incisors (2 total): continuously growing, enamel restricted to the labial surface, dentine on the lingual side; self‑sharpening action creates a chisel‑like edge.
- Molars (12 total): three per side, brachydont, bearing multiple cusps arranged in a transverse pattern; primary function is mastication of seeds and plant material.
- Absence of canines and premolars: reflects the rodent specialization for a herbivorous diet.
Dental development follows a predictable schedule. Incisors erupt shortly after birth and remain open‑rooted throughout life. The first molars appear within the first week, the second molars emerge around three weeks, and the third molars complete eruption by six weeks of age. No tooth replacement occurs after the initial set, except for the continuous growth of the incisors.
Comparative data show that the total tooth count matches that of many other murid rodents, while species such as the house mouse (Mus musculus) share the same formula. In contrast, larger rodents like the beaver exhibit an expanded molar series, increasing total tooth number.
Overall, the dentition of the field mouse consists of sixteen teeth, arranged to support efficient gnawing and grinding of a primarily seed‑based diet.