In anticipation of Groundhog Day 2020, we wanted to take a closer look at some of the world’s most interesting animal teeth! Especially Groundhogs like our Laney!
GROUNDHOGS
Groundhogs have 18 chewing teeth, as well as four chisel-shaped incisors. Their two upper incisors constantly grow—about 1/16 of an inch every week! So groundhogs must constantly gnaw on leaves, trees, grass, and roots to keep the growth in check. Without a shadow of a doubt, groundhogs have some interesting pearly whites. Keep reading to learn about more animals with unique sets of teeth!
GIRAFFES
When it comes to their number of teeth, giraffes and humans are neck and neck. We both have 32 teeth! Giraffes also have an estimated 20-inch tongue for all their snacking needs!
ALLIGATORS
Alligators have between 74 and 80 teeth in their mouth at a time, but as their teeth wear down, new ones constantly replace them. A single alligator can go through as many as 3,000 teeth in one lifetime!
HORSES
Did you know you can estimate the age of a young horse based on its number of developed teeth? Typically by age five, they have a full set of teeth. A fully developed horse of around five years of age will have between 36 and 44 teeth. All equines are heterodontous, which means that they have different shaped teeth for different purposes. All horses have twelve incisors at the front of the mouth, used primarily for cutting food, most often grass, whilst grazing.
NARWHALS
Narwhals live in Arctic waters around Greenland, Canada, and Russia. You may recognize a narwhal from the long, hornlike tusk protruding from its head. But did you know that this tusk is actually an overgrown tooth? Read more about Narwhals and their tusk on the BBC article here.
BLUE WHALES
This may be surprising but blue whales do not even have teeth. Instead, the blue whale has a structure called a baleen plate. Shaped like a comb, the bristles of the baleen let water pass through while trapping prey. Once caught, the whale brings in the food with its massive tongue.
Hopefully, you found out some fun facts about interesting animal teeth! Let us know if you have any questions about these tooth tidbits & be on the lookout on Groundhog day to see if Laney sees his shadow! #GroundhogDay2020 #Feb2nd
