i2/1, c0/0, pm3/2, m3/3. The general formula above represent that of

Analyze the question: The formula i2/1, c0/0, pm3/2, m3/3 is a dental formula. It lists the teeth in one half of the upper jaw (top number) and one half of the lower jaw (bottom number): incisors (i), canines (c), premolars (pm), and molars (m).

Explain the concept: Teeth are adapted to diet:

• Herbivores (e.g., horse, cattle, rabbit) have incisors for cutting grass, no canines or very reduced ones (leaving a gap called a diastema), and broad, ridged premolars and molars for grinding plant material.
• Carnivores (e.g., lion, dog) have large, sharp canines for tearing flesh and carnassial premolars and molars for shearing.
• Omnivores (e.g., humans, pigs) have all four types of teeth in a fairly balanced form, including canines (human formula: i2/2, c1/1, pm2/2, m3/3).

Solution:

1. Incisors 2/1: present, used for cutting or nipping.
2. Canines 0/0: absent. This rules out carnivores and omnivores, which both have canines.
3. Premolars 3/2 and molars 3/3: many cheek teeth for grinding, typical of plant eaters.
4. Total teeth = 2 × (2+1+0+0+3+2+3+3) = 2 × 14 = 28 teeth. The absence of canines and the grinding cheek teeth match a herbivore such as a sheep or goat-like grazer.

(Note: the formula is slightly unusual for a real animal, but the key feature, no canines and strong grinding cheek teeth, points clearly to a herbivore. Detritus feeders such as earthworms or millipedes don't have this kind of mammalian dental formula.)

Answer: D. a herbivore

Exam tip: When you see a dental formula, check the canines first. c0/0 = herbivore (or rodent-type), while large canines = carnivore, and a full balanced set (c1/1) = omnivore.