How do the mandible, maxillae, and quadrate bones differ among fishes, reptiles and mammals?
Sounds like we’re doing the same lab, here’s what I said for these questions: Mandibles, maxillae and quadrate bones in fish are very thin, frail and relatively simple while reptiles often have thicker, wider, generally stronger and more complex mandibles, maxillae and quadrate; both of these have elongated mandibles. Of these three, mammals generally have the thickest mandibles; they are thick and more square-like. Among mammals, the angle in mandibles, maxillae and quadrate bones are wider in herbivores and smaller in carnivores; this is varied due to the muscles used in the chewing process, carnivores usually have thinner, sharper teeth; the mandibles and maxillae are shaped to hold the teeth. Good luck with the other questions!
