adjective
- having two successive sets of teeth during a lifetime, as in mammals; characterized by the replacement of deciduous teeth with permanent teeth
Usage: technical; zoology
noun
- an animal that has two successive sets of teeth during its lifetime
Usage: technical; zoology
Examples
- Humans are diphyodont mammals, with baby teeth that are replaced by adult teeth.
- Most mammals, including dogs and cats, are diphyodonts.
- The diphyodont pattern of tooth replacement is common in primates.
- Unlike diphyodonts, sharks continuously replace their teeth throughout their lives.
- Elephants are not diphyodonts because they do not have a true second set of teeth.