The Multiphasic Teeth of Chiton Articulatus, an Abrasion‐Resistant and Self‐Sharpening Tool for Hard Algae Collection
Devis Montroni,
Ezra Sarmiento,
Ruoheng Zhao
et al.
Abstract:Chiton articulatus is a species of mollusk living in the tropical Pacific intertidal rocky shores of Mexico. This species feeds on solid waste organic sources, including hard crustose algae that grow on rocky substrates, by grazing on them with its radula, a flexible chitinous membrane lined with mineralized major lateral teeth. In this study, the composition, morphology, and resulting mechanics of the mature teeth of this species, which have yet to be examined, are revealed. The results show the presence of m… Show more
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