What Are Shark Teeth?
What Are Shark Teeth Naturally Made Of?
Deemed one of the most dangerous oceanic predators, there are many species of sharks worldwide. They eat much of what's found in the ocean, usually their diets consisting of other fish or sea lions. Agile hunters, sharks have the ability to quickly attack and dismember their prey, all in no small part thanks to their razor sharp teeth. one of their teeth found in layered rows, a single adult shark can have anywhere from 2 to 15 rows of teeth!
Though shark teeth aren't as durable as that of humans and they don't have an actual root, they can still do a great deal of damage. So, what exactly are shark teeth made of?
Shark teeth are made from a natural material known as calcium phosphate. It's a very tough material, but as sharks shed their teeth thousands of times in their lifetime, durability is only partially important!
Shark Species Versus Their Teeth
Depending on the species of shark, the shape and length of their teeth may vary. For example, the nurse shark has teeth that aren't just flat, but dense as well. These teeth are naturally equipped to handle sea animals with hard shells such as most crustaceans. On the other hand, shark species like the bull shark have much smaller teeth that are naturally shaped like thin needles. They are able to accommodate chewing through fish and squid, as well as a number of other smaller shark species. click here to buy one
As most sharks have many rows of teeth, they are all shaped in a different manner in order to serve a different purpose. The lower teeth, for example, are pointed while the iconic upper teeth are triangular and made to naturally rip and tear prey apart.
On average, a shark will lose a tooth per week, but they can regrow lost teeth in as little as 24 hours! As sharks regularly shed their teeth, they are never plagued by cavities or decay.
Some shark species such as the whale and basking sharks actually do not have sharp teeth at all. Much akin to whales, these sharks have teeth shaped like filters to consume smaller fish without having to attack.
Regardless of shark species, all sharks have teeth that contain dentin, which is a soft tissue-like material, similar as found in humans. The dentin is then covered with enamel to ensure decent durability. Due to the fact that most sharks have different shaped teeth based on species, scientists are able to use fossilized and found teeth as a method of dating shark species.
Shark Teeth Are Highly Collectible!
Scientists, collectors, and avid beachcombers alike find shark teeth highly collectible. They are fairly easy to find in a variety of locations and are readily available in most souvenir shops or online marketplaces. The most prized shark teeth are those shed by the now extinct massive Megalodon.
Shark teeth collecting provides a great learning experience while beachcombing can get the family together for a scientific outing. Australia and California are two of the top places where shark teeth are easily found in great numbers!
