Which tooth is characterized by having two roots and five cusps?

The tooth characterized by having two roots and five cusps is the mandibular first molar. This tooth typically features two roots: one mesial and one distal. The five cusps consist of two on the mesial aspect (the mesiobuccal and mesiolingual cusps) and three on the distal aspect (the distobuccal, distal, and lingual cusps). This distinct cusp arrangement, along with the two roots, allows for efficient chewing and grinding of food, which is essential for the functional role of molars in the posterior region of the mouth.

In contrast, the maxillary first molar, while also having multiple cusps and roots, typically has three roots and usually presents with four to five cusps, with the additional cusp being the fifth cusp known as the cusp of Carabelli. The maxillary first premolar typically has two roots but only two or three cusps, depending on variations. The mandibular second molar generally has two roots and four to five cusps, but the typical configuration is four. Thus, the unique combination of two roots and five cusps distinctly identifies the mandibular first molar from the other options listed.