Examples of teeth in bulk feeders.

The shape and size of teeth reflects the way in which animals feed and the types of food they consume. In carnivores, teeth may be used for (a) seizing prey that will be swallowed whole, or (b) slicing food into pieces small enough to be swallowed. The teeth of herbivores and algae eaters may be used for (c) nipping and grinding vegetation, and (d) scraping or cropping food off coral or other hard surfaces. (e) Omnivores typically have a mix of teeth resembling those found in both carnivores and herbivores. The molars may be adapted for crushing hard foods.