Question

What do you mean by dental formula?
A. An arrangement of teeth in the mouth in the order of I, C, P, M
B. The arrangement of teeth in each upper half and lower jaw is in the order of I, C, P and M
C. An arrangement of teeth in upper jaw is in the order of I, C, P and M
D. An arrangement of teeth in the lower jaw is in the order of I, C, P and M.

Answer 1

Mammals teeth are specialized for performing different functions. Tooth form has undergone evolutionary modification as a result of natural selection for specialized feeding.

Complete answer:
The number of teeth in each upper and lower half jaws are equal.
The dental formula of mammals are I, C, P and M. Example 2:1:2:3 stands for 2 incisors, 1 canine, 2 premolar and 3 molars on each half of the jaws.
Different types of teeth have different functions.

1. Incisors are the teeth used for biting the food. They are 8 in number.
2. Canines are the sharpest teeth used for tearing the food. They are 4 in number.
3. Premolar is used for crushing the food. It has a flat surface for biting the food. It is 8 in number.
4. Molar: it's function is similar to that of Premolar to grind,tear and crush the food. It has a large flat biting surface area.

Note:
Mammalian teeth are made up of calcium phosphate crystals. It has the hardest coating of enamel which is the hardest substance of the human body. Crown covers the tooth. Dentine is the inner material and it's soft cement binds teeth to the jaws.