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Title: Rubbed the wrong way Written by: duddy on Jun 4, 2013 (https://biology-forums.com/gallery/47/4_04_06_13_9_27_44.jpeg) (https://biology-forums.com/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view;id=12395) Shark skin doesn't look like normal fish skin. It's made of microscopic diamond shaped scales with rough edges, called "denticles". These are thought to share an evolutionary origin with teeth - indeed, they have much more in common with teeth than with scales. Like teeth, they consist of a central cavity made of pulp surrounded by dentine and enamel. The flexible but irregular surface is impossible for barnacles and other micro-organisms to cling to, as well as decreasing drag and turbulence. So just when you thought sharks couldn't get any scarier, it turns out that their entire bodies are literally COVERED with teeth. Comments: Very interesting fact, thanks for sharing this... Written by: bio_man on Jun 15, 2014 Yes, it's demonstrated in the picture. Shark skin is very rough and covered with scales called dermal denticles. They are sharp and pointy like miniature teeth. Written by: JoAnne on Jun 4, 2013 Is it true that if you rub a shark the wrong way it can cut your hand like a razor? Written by: nite_n_day on Jun 4, 2013 Shark skin is used in some places like sand paper. Stroke one way, it's smooth. Stroke the other way, you might cut your hand. Written by: savio on Jun 4, 2013 |