Which of the following statements about premolars is true?

Premolars are indeed absent in the primary dentition, which consists of 20 teeth. This set includes incisors, canines, and molars, but does not feature premolars at all. In adults, premolars emerge between the ages of 10 and 12 and typically consist of two types: first and second premolars. The lack of premolars in primary dentition is a key aspect of dental anatomical knowledge and is essential for understanding the development and transition to the permanent dentition.

The first set of teeth that children have includes incisors and canines, which allows for specific functions such as biting and tearing food. This developmental sequence is fundamental in pediatric dentistry and influences the timing of when adult teeth will emerge.

Other options suggest different characteristics about the premolars; however, their defining features and the absence in the primary set highlight the importance of recognizing premolars as a distinct part of the adult dental anatomy rather than the primary.