Do Sharks Have Bones in Their Mouth?

Sharks are fascinating creatures of the ocean. One question that often arises is whether they have bones in their mouths. The answer might surprise you.

Sharks do not have bones in the traditional sense. Instead, they have structures made of cartilage.

Cartilage is a flexible and elastic tissue that supports various parts of a shark's body, including its mouth. This material is similar to the cartilage found in human ears and noses. It allows sharks to move and manipulate their mouths easily, which is crucial for their feeding.

The cartilage in a shark's mouth appears as thin, translucent sheets. These sheets are organized in rows and form a framework for the sharp, triangular teeth sharks are known for. Each row holds several teeth. As the teeth in the front wear out, new ones from the back rows replace them.

The number of teeth in a shark's mouth can vary by species. On average, a typical shark has about 20 rows of teeth, totaling over a hundred individual teeth. This remarkable ability enables sharks to continuously replace lost or damaged teeth throughout their lives.

The next time you see a shark, remember that its mouth contains cartilage, not bones. This adaptation allows sharks to move effectively in their underwater environment and capture prey with precision.