31 Which skull represents a herbivore and a carnivore respectively? \( \qquad \) \( \qquad \) 3.2 Why does the front region of the upper jaw of Skull A have no teeth? \( \qquad \) \( \qquad \) \( \qquad \) 3.3 Is there any difference in the shape of the molars of Skull A and Skull B? If yes, what is the reason for this? \( \qquad \) \( \qquad \) \( \qquad \) 3.4 Why is it necessary for the animal represented by Skull B to have such long canine teeth? 3.5 Give an example of an animal that is represented by Skull A and Skull B respectively.

Below is one way to answer these questions: 1. Thirty‐one. When you compare the two skulls, one has no incisor teeth at the front of the upper jaw and has broad, flat molars while the other shows large, pointed canine teeth and more blade‐like molars. This tells you that the first skull (Skull A) belongs to a herbivore and the second (Skull B) to a carnivore. 2. 3.2. In many herbivores (especially among ruminants and ungulates), the very front of the upper jaw (the premaxilla) lacks teeth. In these animals the lower incisors press against a tough, keratinized pad instead of opposing upper teeth. This dental adaptation is useful for cropping vegetation, as it is more effective for gathering and biting off plant material than having a pair of incisors. 3. 3.3. Yes, there is a difference. In Skull A the molars are broad and have a large, flat grinding surface, which is ideal for breaking down fibrous plant material. In contrast, Skull B (the carnivore) possesses molars that are more pointed or blade-like (carnassial teeth) and are designed for shearing meat. Thus, the difference is due to the type of food each animal processes – plants vs. meat. 4. 3.4. Carnivorous animals benefit from having long canine teeth because these are essential for capturing and killing prey. The long, pointed canines help in piercing the flesh of their prey, holding on to it, and delivering a fatal bite. They are a key adaptation for a predatory lifestyle. 5. 3.5. As an example, Skull A (the herbivore with a dental pad in the upper jaw and flat grinding molars) could represent an animal such as a cow (or horse, which also lacks upper incisors). Skull B (with its long canines and blade-like molars) is typical of a carnivore such as a lion (or other large cat). This explanation links the skull features directly to the dietary habits of these animals, which is why herbivores and carnivores show these typical and contrasting differences in skull and tooth morphology.