Which term describes horses' teeth that continue to erupt during life?

• A. Hypsodont
• B. Brachydont
• C. Monophyodont
• D. Diphyodont

Answer: (A)

Horses have high-crowned teeth that keep erupting throughout life to compensate for the wear from grazing. This pattern is described by hypsodont, meaning teeth with long crowns and enamel extending well below the gum line that continual erupt to stay functional. Brachydont describes low-crowned teeth that stop erupting after eruption, which isn’t how horse dentition behaves. Monophyodont would mean a single set of teeth with no replacement, and diphyodont means two sets (milk and permanent); horses do have two sets, but the trait that explains continual eruption is the hypsodont nature of their teeth.