Chapter 27, Animal Systems I - Assessment - 27.1 Feeding and Digestion - Understand Key Concepts/Think Critically - Page 802: 5

The canines of carnivores are sharp and pointed whereas the canines of herbivores are either absent or are not as pointed as those of carnivores. The molars of carnivores are sharper whereas those of herbivores are broader and flatter.

The canines of carnivores are sharp and pointed whereas the canines of herbivores are either absent or are not as pointed as those of carnivores. Canines are adapted to spearing, tearing, and gripping objects; therefore, canines are more developed in carnivores because they need to deal with organisms that move and fight in order to escape. Molars are teeth specialized for grinding. Those of carnivores are sharper whereas those of herbivores are broader and flatter. Molars in carnivores interlock and have sharp edges to slice meat up. The molars of herbivores have flatter surfaces to grind up vegetation.