Many sharks have more than one row of teeth, and the lower teeth are pointed while the upper rows are triangular. These triangular teeth are specially designed to kill and eat prey. In fact, some sharks can have as many as 15 rows of teeth in each jaw!
Why do sharks have rows of teeth?
For example, great white sharks each have about 50 teeth (their “working teeth”). However, like most sharks, they have multiple rows of developing teeth ready to replace falling teeth.
Which sharks have rows of teeth?
Many sharks have layers of teeth, but the bull shark is no match for them. They have up to 50 rows of teeth with 7 teeth in each row. That’s an average of about 350 teeth at a time.
Why are shark teeth different shapes?
Shark teeth come in a variety of shapes and sizes. The teeth in the upper jaw are often shaped differently than in the lower jaw. The actual shape and structure of a shark’s teeth is related to the species’ diet and hunting style.
How do multiple rows of teeth help a shark survive?
A single shark can break through thousands of teeth in its lifetime. It can continue to hunt and eat hard-skinned prey without fear of breaking or dulling its teeth as new ones keep waiting to take their place.
Why are shark teeth arranged in rows?
Many sharks have more than one row of teeth, and the lower teeth are pointed while the upper rows are triangular. These triangular teeth are specially designed to kill and eat prey. In fact, some sharks can have as many as 15 rows of teeth in each jaw!
Why are shark teeth different sizes or shapes?
Certain species of sharks are known to live on certain shores. Keep in mind that identifying a fossilized shark tooth is a tricky process. For example, a shark’s teeth can change shape as the shark begins to eat different types of prey. In addition, certain diseases can affect the shape and size of a shark’s teeth.
Why are shark teeth jagged?
The combination of teeth includes serrated edges to cut larger prey into smaller portions for easy swallowing of the pieces. The most well-known shark with these teeth is the great white shark, which feeds on animals such as sea lions, dolphins, other sharks, and even small whales.
How are shark teeth formed?
Many sharks have more than one row of teeth, and the lower teeth are pointed while the upper rows are triangular. These triangular teeth are specially designed to kill and eat prey. In fact, some sharks can have as many as 15 rows of teeth in each jaw!
What 4 types of shark teeth are there?
Although shark teeth vary by species and diet, there are four main types, including needle-shaped, densely flattened, nonfunctional, and downward-facing teeth.
