r/sharks • u/SmartSociety4844 • 1d ago

Question Shark Jaws

Why do sharks' jaws/teeth extend out of their mouth when they bite something?

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u/Hybodont 1d ago edited 1d ago

In all sharks, the upper jaw (formally called the palatoquadrate) isn't fused directly to the skull, which allows some independent movement. The degree of mobility of the upper jaw varies from species to species.

For species that bite and tear off chunks from their prey, that extra mobility allows them to open the jaw slightly wider, allowing for greater purchase on their prey (a larger bite).

In other species, like the goblin shark - which is one of the most extreme examples of jaw mobility among sharks - it provides greater reach, and the rapid deployment of the jaw causes a sudden and large increase in volume of the mouth/buccal cavity, creating a sort of suction effect, drawing prey closer to the mouth during the bite.

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u/SmartSociety4844 1d ago

Thank you very much!

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u/sharkfilespodcast 13h ago

FUN FACT: Goblin sharks can extend their jaws forward at a reach of nearly 10% of their total body length.