Tooth

body · animals · eating

Built like layers. Teeth aren't made of bone, but from special tissues of different hardness that all grow from the ectoderm, the outermost layer when an animal is still developing in the womb.

Carnivore tools. Meat-eating animals like lions use their teeth not just for chewing, but for catching prey, tearing food, and showing dominance to other animals.

Root under cover. The part of your tooth you can see sits above your gum, but the root underneath is covered and protected by the gum tissue.

More than eating. Some animals use their teeth to carry their babies, intimidate rivals, or defend themselves from danger.