What is a hypsodont tooth?

• A. Molars with linked ridges across teeth.
• B. Low-crowned teeth with rounded cusps.
• C. High-crowned teeth that wear slowly, suited for grazing tough vegetation.
• D. Teeth that are conical and sharp for piercing.

Answer: (C)

Hypsodont teeth are high-crowned, with a large portion of the crown extending above the gum line and the tooth often continuing to erupt as wear occurs. This design keeps the chewing surface functional for a long time, which is especially important for animals that graze on abrasive vegetation like grasses.

That combination—a tall crown and slow wear suited for grinding tough plants—is why the best description is high-crowned teeth that wear slowly, suited for grazing tough vegetation. The other options describe different dental forms (low-crowned rather than tall crowns, grinding patterns not tied to crown height, and conical piercing teeth) that don’t match the hypsodont adaptation.