selenodontes

Selenodontes, or selenodont dentition, is a dental morphology found in several herbivorous hoofed mammals (Artiodactyla). It is characterized by molars bearing crescent-shaped cusps formed by opposing enamel ridges, producing two curved, crescent-shaped ridges on each upper and lower molar. These ridges interact during chewing to create an efficient grinding surface for fibrous plant material.

Anatomy and function: The occlusal surface displays crescent-shaped enamel waves that work together with the opposite tooth to shear and grind vegetation. The pattern is frequently associated with high-crowned (hypsodont) teeth in many species, which provides greater wear resistance on abrasive diets, although crown height varies among taxa.

Taxonomic distribution: Selenodont dentition is widespread among Artiodactyla, especially within the ruminants. It is common in bovids (such as cattle, sheep, goats, and many antelopes), cervids (deer), and is also found in camels and giraffids. The term is used in comparative anatomy to describe a dentition type rather than to designate a single taxonomic group.

Evolution and differentiation: Selenodonty evolved as an adaptation to processing tough, fibrous vegetation. It contrasts with lophodont dentition, in which the enamel ridges form more continuous, transverse sheets. In many lineages with selenodont teeth, wear patterns reveal the two opposing crescent ridges that drive efficient mastication of grasses and other abrasive plant matter.

Overall, selenodontes describe a prominent and widely distributed dental adaptation among several groups of herbivorous hoofed mammals, reflecting a shared approach to processing rough vegetation.