There are over 500 known species of sharks in our oceans, all of whom have unique and fascinating sets of teeth that are specialized to meet the needs of their unique diets and feeding habits. So yes, sharks can be identified based on the shape of their teeth because each species has distinct dental characteristics.
Interestingly, one thing all shark species have in common is that their teeth constantly replace themselves throughout their lifetime: when a shark’s tooth falls out, a tooth from a subsequent row moves forward to replace it. This tooth conveyor belt means that damaged or worn teeth will not hinder the feeding abilities of sharks as they age. Some sharks can lose up to a whopping 35,000 teeth throughout their lives!
Did you know that shark teeth are the only bony part of a shark’s body? Sharks belong to a group of fish known as elasmobranchs, which includes rays and skates. Unlike most fish, which have skeletons made of bone, elasmobranchs have skeletons made of cartilage. Cartilage is a flexible, durable material that is lighter than bone, providing sharks with better buoyancy and maneuverability in the water.
Shark teeth, however, are composed of dentin, a calcified tissue that is harder and denser than cartilage, making them well-suited for their role in feeding. The outer layer of the teeth is coated with an even harder enamel-like substance, which helps in dealing with the wear and tear from their diet.
The set of teeth pictured above is from the bottom-feeding nurse shark (Ginglymostoma cirratum), whichpreys mostly on small fish, stingrays, mollusks, and crustaceans. The nurse shark’s primary method of catching prey is through intense suction rather than grasping prey with their teeth, so they therefore have many rows of small teeth that they use for gripping prey they have suctioned into their mouths.
These pearly whites come from the graceful, gentle giant known as the whale shark (Rhincodon typus). Despite its filter-feeding nature, the whale shark possesses up to 3,000 tiny teeth in its mouth at once, the purpose of which remains a mystery to researchers today.
The set of jaws pictured above is from the Caribbean reef shark (Carcharhinus perezii). This shark feeds primarily on reef fish, cephalopods, crustaceans, and smaller elasmobranchs like the yellow stingray and eagle ray. As opportunistic carnivores, the reef shark’s teeth are pointy and serrated, which allows them to easily grasp fast-moving prey.
Shark teeth are among the most commonly found fossils due to their frequent shedding and durable composition, which preserves exceptionally well over millions of years. Some shark teeth fossils are over 400 million years old, providing valuable insights into the ancient history of these creatures.
These fascinating aspects of shark teeth highlight the unique adaptations that have enabled sharks to become highly effective predators in aquatic environments. From their rapid tooth replacement to their varied shapes and sizes, shark teeth reflect the extraordinary evolutionary journey and ecological success of these animals.
It is crucial to discourage the purchase of shark teeth as this directly contributes to the ongoing fishing and exploitation of sharks worldwide. Sharks face numerous threats including habitat degradation, climate change, and overfishing driven by demand for their teeth, fins, and other products. By refraining from buying shark teeth and advocating for shark conservation, we can all help reduce the demand that fuels these unsustainable practices.
