Here are approximate sizes for the different teeth of mastodons:
- Upper Incisors: The upper incisors were located on the front of the upper jaw. They ranged in length from about 10 inches to 15 inches (25 to 38 centimeters).
- Lower Incisors: The lower incisors were located on the front of the lower jaw. They were generally smaller than the upper incisors, ranging from about 6 inches to 8 inches (15 to 20 centimeters) in length.
- Upper Canines: The upper canines, or tusks, were long and curved downward. In some species of mastodons, the tusks could grow to be several feet long. In the American mastodon (Mammut americanum), for instance, the tusks could reach lengths of up to 8 feet (2.4 meters) or more.
- Molars: Mastodons had a series of upper and lower molars located on the sides of their jaws. These teeth were large, flat, and covered in ridges called cusps. The size of the molars varied depending on the species, but they were generally several inches in length and width.
Overall, the teeth of mastodons were massive and specialized for consuming large amounts of plant matter, such as leaves, branches, and twigs. Their tusks were likely used for defense and digging.