File:Triconodontid molariform evolution.png

English: Evolutionary pattern of molar cusp size and proportion in Triconodontidae. Cusp size of the three main cusps becomes more similar, while cusp d increases in size. Its function changes from merely interlocking with the next posterior molar to an active unit during food processing. In this role it is initially still closely positioned next to cusp c (e.g. Meiconodon, Astroconodon). In the last lower molar of Alticonodon, it is a fully separated cusp that functions as a single unit in the tooth battery. Astroconodon and Alticonodon also show an increase in crown height. Tooth position varies, which can influence the relative size of the cusps to a small degree. The cusp dimensions of Corviconodon are approximations of the dimensions of unworn teeth based on the worn holotype of C. utahensis. Priacodon is based on the holotype of P. ferox since no tooth is complete in the holotype of P. fruitaensis. The former has greater differences in cusp size than the latter. The phylogeny is based on Martin et al.2.