JAMB - Biology (1983 - No. 40)

Which of the following statements about the dentition of man is INCORRECT ? man has
More molars than incisors
No diastema
The same number of teeth on upper and lower jaw
A total of thirty-two teeth
A total of six molars

Explanation

Consider the dentition formula in man : i = \(\frac{2}{2}\); c = \(\frac{1}{1}\); p = \(\frac{2}{2}\); m = \(\frac{3}{3}\) = 16 x 2 = 32

where i = incisors, c = canine,  p = premolars, m = molars

Diastema refers to a gap or space between the teeth. These spaces can form anywhere in the mouth, but are sometimes noticeable between the two upper front teeth. This condition affects both adults and children. In children, gaps may disappear once their permanent teeth grow in, hence some humans have diastema, although it is not a typical characteristics of human dentition.

Consequently, the correct answer is option E, since humans have a total number of 12 molars not 6, when calculated in relative to the total number of 32.

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