The hinge teeth (dentition) or lack of them is an important feature of bivalve shells because the teeth are generally similar within major groups, and have historically provided a convenient means upon which to base classification schemes and the phylogenetic order.
The hinge teeth (dentition) is an important feature of bivalve shells. Lack of them is an important feature of bivalve shells. The teeth are generally similar within major groups. The teeth have historically provided a convenient means upon which to base classification schemes. The teeth have historically provided a convenient means upon which to base the phylogenetic order.