What is meant by diphyodonty in dental development?

Diphyodonty refers to the dental development characteristic of having two distinct sets of teeth during an individual's life. This developmental process includes the initial eruption of primary teeth, commonly known as "milk teeth" or deciduous teeth, which typically begin to appear in infancy. These teeth are eventually replaced by a second set, the permanent teeth, which generally emerge during childhood and adolescence.

This biological phenomenon is observed in humans and many other mammals, signifying an adaptation that aids in the developmental stages of a growing organism. The presence of two different sets of teeth allows for the transition from the smaller, softer milk teeth to the larger, more robust permanent teeth, which are better suited for an adult diet.

Understanding diphyodonty is fundamental in the study of dental anthropology and developmental biology, emphasizing how dental structures have evolved to meet the dietary needs and life stages of different species.