(i) On the basis of embryonic origin, teeth in vertebrates are of

following two types

(a) Horny/ectodermal/epidermal/false teeth : The teeth which develops
only from ectoderm. Examples Cyclostomes, tadpole larva of frog, prototherian
mammals etc.
(b) True teeth : The teeth which develops from both ectoderm and
mesoderm. Examples Fishes, amphibians, reptiles, eutherian mammals etc.
(ii) Differentiation of teeth : Morphologically, teeth can be distinguished
as homodont or heterodont.
(a) Homodont : When all the teeth are structurally and functionally similar.
Examples Vertebrates except metatherian and eutherian mammals.
(b) Heterodont : When the teeth are different in structure and functions.
They are distinguished into four types incisors, canines, premolars and molars.
Examples metatherian and eutherian mammals.
(1) Incisors : These are the front teeth borne by the premaxillae in upper
jaw and tips of dentaries in lower jaw. They are single-rooted monocuspid and
long, curved and sharp-edged. They are adapted for cutting or cropping and
biting.
(2) Canines : There is one pointed canine in each maxillary of upper jaw
and each dentary of lower jaw next to the incisors. They are meant for piercing,
tearing and offence and defence. They are single rooted and monocuspid.
(3) Premolars : They have two roots and two cusps (bicuspid). They are
meant for crushing, grinding and chewing.
(4) Molars : They have more than two roots and 4-5 cuspid.