Question

What are the three components of the canine shearing complex?

Answer 1

Modern and fossil apes teeth have canine shearing complex(honing CP3 complex),which gives them action of shearing during Mastication.

This CP3 Honing/Shearing Complex consisit of-

1.A combination of canine & 1st premolar teeth which form a self-sharpening apparatus.

2. Diastema :a small gap between the canine & the adjacent teeth,which provides a space for the opposite protruding canine. which allows the upper & lower teeth to bite together.

3.Enamel which is thinner.