How does a goblin shark jaw work?
The goblin shark (Mitsukurina owstoni) is a deep-sea shark known for its unusual appearance, including its protrudable jaws. When the goblin shark detects prey, it rapidly extends its jaws forward by unhinging them from its skull. This forward motion is powered by a muscle called the protractor pterygoidei, which contracts and pulls the lower jaw forward.
The lower jaw is connected to the upper jaw by a ligament that allows it to move independently. When the lower jaw is extended, it pushes against the upper jaw, which is hinged at the front of the skull. This action causes the upper jaw to rotate downward, creating a large gap between the two jaws.
The goblin shark uses its protrusible jaws to capture prey that is too large to fit in its mouth when closed. Once the prey is caught, the goblin shark retracts its jaws by relaxing the protractor pterygoidei muscle and pulling the lower jaw back into its original position.
This complex jaw mechanism allows the goblin shark to capture a variety of prey, including fish, squid, and crustaceans. The protrusible jaws also help the goblin shark to avoid predators by allowing it to quickly escape from danger.
Related Questions
- Why is the goblin shark's jaw so unusual? It is protrudable, meaning it can be extended forward to capture prey.
- How does the goblin shark extend its jaws? By contracting a muscle called the protractor pterygoidei.
- What is the function of the ligament that connects the goblin shark's upper and lower jaws? It allows the jaws to move independently.
- What type of prey does a goblin shark capture using its protrusible jaws? Fish, squid, and crustaceans.
- How do the goblin shark's protrusible jaws help it avoid predators? By allowing it to quickly escape from danger.
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