Tooth Use and Wear in Three Iron-Biomineralizing Mollusc Species

Jeremy A Shaw; D J Macey; Lesley R Brooker; P L Clode

doi:10.1086/BBLv218n2p132

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Tooth Use and Wear in Three Iron-Biomineralizing Mollusc Species

Journal article

Peer reviewed

Tooth Use and Wear in Three Iron-Biomineralizing Mollusc Species

Jeremy A Shaw, D J Macey, Lesley R Brooker and P L Clode

Biological Bulletin, Vol.218(2), pp.132-144

2010

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1086/BBLv218n2p132

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Abstract

radular teeth

acanthopleura-hirtosa

chiton

polyplacophora

integration

bioerosion

Chitons and limpets harden their teeth with biominerals in order to scrape algae from hard rock surfaces. To elucidate relationships between tooth structure and function, light and electron microscopy were used to examine naturally worn teeth in three species of mollusc with iron-mineralized teeth and to analyze the grazing marks left by members of these species feeding on wax. For the two chiton species, teeth wore down progressively from the medial to the lateral edge of the cusp, while for the limpet, wear was more evenly distributed across the edges of each cusp. In chitons, this pattern of wear matched the medially biased morphology of the cusps in their protracted position and relates to what is known about the mineral composition and substructure of the teeth. The patterns of progressive tooth wear for each of these species, together with the distinct grazing marks left by each species on the wax substrate, indicate that the teeth are designed to remain functionally effective for as long as possible, and have proved to be a valuable means of rationalizing the internal architecture of the teeth at a range of spatial scales. This information is critical for ongoing studies aimed at understanding the interactions between the organic matrix and mineral components of these teeth.

Details

Title: Tooth Use and Wear in Three Iron-Biomineralizing Mollusc Species
Authors: Jeremy A Shaw (Author) - University of Western Australia
D J Macey (Author) - Murdoch University
Lesley R Brooker (Author) - University of the Sunshine Coast - Faculty of Science, Health and Education
P L Clode (Author) - University of Western Australia
Publication details: Biological Bulletin, Vol.218(2), pp.132-144
Publisher: Marine Biological Laboratory
Date published: 2010
DOI: 10.1086/BBLv218n2p132
ISSN: 0006-3185
Organisation Unit: University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland
Language: English
Record Identifier: 99449780602621
Output Type: Journal article

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Collaboration types: Domestic collaboration
Web Of Science research areas: Biology; Marine & Freshwater Biology

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