Teeth and Jaws

February 5, 2025

Both teeth and jaw shape are extremely varied amongst species, for example bottom dwelling species feeding primarily on hard shelled organisms have a type of dentition known as ‘molariform’ consisting of rounded flattened teeth for crushing their prey. Pelagic species often have sharp pointed teeth for piercing through fish and plankton feeders have a line of brush-like strands covering the gill slits to trap these tiny organisms. Interestingly plankton feeding species also have rows of small residual teeth thought to aid purchase during mating. All sharks continuously replace their teeth throughout their lifetime, with new teeth moving forwards to replace those lost.