Dental Formula of Man, Sheep & Dog | Biology for JAMB PDF Download

Introduction

The dental formula provides a standardized way of representing the arrangement and types of teeth found in various animals, including humans. This note will explore the dental formulas for humans, sheep, and dogs, highlighting the different types and numbers of teeth present in each species.

Dental Formula of Humans

In humans, the dental formula represents one half of the upper and lower jaws, as we have two symmetrical halves. The dental formula for adult humans is as follows:
2-1-2-3/2-1-2-3
This formula can be deciphered as follows:

• 2 Incisors (I) in the upper jaw, 1 on each side
• 1 Canine (C) in the upper jaw, on each side
• 2 Premolars (P) in the upper jaw, on each side
• 3 Molars (M) in the upper jaw, on each side
• The same arrangement repeats for the lower jaw.

Dental Formula of Sheep

Sheep have a different dental formula compared to humans. The dental formula for adult sheep is as follows:
0-0-3-3/3-1-3-3
This formula can be interpreted as:

• 0 Incisors (I) in the upper jaw
• 0 Canines (C) in the upper jaw
• 3 Premolars (P) in the upper jaw, on each side
• 3 Molars (M) in the upper jaw, on each side
• 3 Incisors (I) in the lower jaw
• 1 Canine (C) in the lower jaw
• 3 Premolars (P) in the lower jaw, on each side
• 3 Molars (M) in the lower jaw, on each side

Dental Formula of Dogs

Dogs also have a unique dental formula. The dental formula for adult dogs is as follows:
3-1-4-2/3-1-4-3
This formula can be understood as:

• 3 Incisors (I) in the upper jaw, on each side
• 1 Canine (C) in the upper jaw, on each side
• 4 Premolars (P) in the upper jaw, on each side
• 2 Molars (M) in the upper jaw, on each side
• 3 Incisors (I) in the lower jaw, on each side
• 1 Canine (C) in the lower jaw, on each side
• 4 Premolars (P) in the lower jaw, on each side
• 3 Molars (M) in the lower jaw, on each side

Conclusion

Understanding the dental formula helps in identifying and comparing teeth across different species. The dental formulas provided above for humans, sheep, and dogs serve as a useful reference for understanding the arrangement and types of teeth found in these animals.