What is the main purpose of molars in frugivores?

In frugivores, which are animals that primarily eat fruit, the main purpose of molars is to chew fruit pulp. This specialization in the dental structure allows frugivores to effectively break down the soft, fibrous textures of fruit, maximizing their ability to extract nutrients. The molars are typically broad and flat, which is ideal for grinding and mashing the pulp of fruit, enabling these animals to consume their primary food source efficiently.

Grinding fruits enhances nutrient absorption and digestion, playing a vital role in the frugivorous diet. The other options refer to different dietary needs: slicing tough plant material is more relevant to herbivores that consume fibrous grasses, grinding seeds pertains to animals that rely heavily on seeds for nutrition rather than fruits, and crushing exoskeletons is specific to insectivorous diets, where the consumption of hard-shelled insects is necessary. Thus, the specific adaptations of molars in frugivores highlight their evolutionary role in optimizing fruit consumption and nutrient extraction.