Sawing Efficiency in Elasmobranch Teeth
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Date
2014-07Author
Corn, K.A.
Brash, J.
Crofts, S.B.
Farina, S.C.
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Show full item recordAbstract
Previous research has shown little effect of tooth shape on puncturing ability
(Whitenack & Motta, 2010), and though the concept of shark teeth as a saw blade has
been explored, it has not been manifested beyond mathematical models and hypotheses
(Frazzetta, 1988). Frazzetta’s analysis covered many aspects of shark teeth in the context
of sawing but lacks physical data of their effect when applied. Thus, this project set out to
answer several questions about efficiency of shark teeth at sawing prey items: effect of
tooth morphology on sawing efficiency, which varied strongly by species; sawing
efficiency by trial, to test whether or not teeth are designed for a single use; and, in
concept, to see if I can extrapolate feeding ecology from these factors.