Definition
An 'acrodont' is a type of tooth attachment where the teeth are fused to the jawbone's surface, without sockets. This means the teeth sit on top of the jawbone, rather than being embedded in it. Think of it like glueing teeth onto the jaw. Acrodont dentition is common in some reptiles and fish. Unlike thecodont teeth (like in mammals), acrodont teeth are not deeply rooted. This attachment makes them easier to break off, but they can be replaced. The arrangement affects how teeth withstand stress and pressure. It reflects a simpler evolutionary stage than thecodont dentition.