Whats the teeth theory on vegeterians/carnivores/omnivor...

Hippos have huge teeth but thats not for eating right? And other animals. Some animals actually loose teeth from eating meat-I watched a show and the african dog had teeth broken from eating meat and stuff. I dont know the name of the dog it was but theyr endangered and very cool looking! Basically the teeth theory is our ability to eat different things. So why is it that some animals have big teeth but dont eat meat unless its just protection?! Please explain! Thanks!

Whats the teeth theory on vegeterians/carnivores/omnivor...
Sharp pointy teeth (canines) = carnivore


Flat molars for grinding = herbivore


Both sharp teeth (canines) and flat molars for grining = Omnivore (like you and me)
Reply:it's not the size,but shape that determine function...incisors rip meat...
Reply:well the texture of the food one eats affects the eater. vegetarians eat softer foods. meat eaters eat tougher food.
Reply:idk
Reply:It could be for attracting females or used as defence against predators. All of it relates to theory of evolution, basically these features were successful in survival and then therefore were passed on to the offspring and so on.
Reply:There is vegetation indigenous to the area the animal is in which might be large and tough or have a tough outer skin (shell), thus requiring teeth that are sharp to tear into and through it, and also large enough to mash it up (in the case of hippos).
Reply:I'm not sure,





but I am a vegetarian and I once had a half native american dentist tell me that he wasn't supriesed to hear that I was a vegetarian from the shape of my teeth. He said that they were a little spoon shaped and good for eating veggies. He then asked me if I had any native american ancestors... which I do.





The whole teeth theory thing is really interesting to me too.
Reply:Ah yes, the pointy teeth arguement. Some non-vegetarians cling to that like grim death. Bummer they don't appreciate their molars.
Reply:Teeth are used for social signalling. What do you do when you see your friend- you smile! So the argument that so many people put forward that we have canines for eating meat is cobblers- there are herbivores such as Giant Panda whcih have enormous canines but never eat meat. They are even true carnivores, in that they belong to Order Carnivora.


http://animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu/si...