12 Shark Skin Magnified Is Covered In Teeth
Shark skin looks smooth and slick to the naked eye, but under a microscopic it resembles sharp rugged scales that rival its teeth! These shapes are termed “denticles” and they indeed have more in common with teeth than fish scales. Like teeth, denticles have a central core or pulp, which around it grows enamel.. Wow!
The quality of the shark’s skin therefore creates an impossible surface for organisms, like barnacles to grow on. This clean design allows it be fast-swimming with underwater aerodynamics.
Interestingly, scientists are looking to shark skin structures to create new manmade surfaces. One application is a study to repel microorganisms and possibly prevent hospital-aquired infections, another is athletes’ swimsuits. Sharks may seem even scarier with teeth-like spears covering their entire bodies but they’re invaluable too!
