Buzz
Snails are far more fascinating than their sluggish reputation suggests. While they move slowly, certain species can survive in extreme conditions, immobilize their prey, and engage in mating by launching love darts at their partners. If that doesn’t captivate you, consider this: a snail’s mouth houses thousands of razor-sharp teeth, as reported by NPR.
Each snail is equipped with multiple rows of tiny teeth, ranging from 2000 to 15,000 in total. Upon closer inspection, a snail’s mouth resembles a Velcro-like surface, with teeth curving inward to grip food securely and guide it down the throat.
Snail radula. | L. P. van Ofwegen - Maassen W. J. M. & Gittenberger E., Wikimedia Commons // CC BY 3.0The abundance of teeth isn’t the sole reason a snail’s mouth is so unsettling. Similar to sharks, snails continuously replace their teeth, with new rows developing at the back of the mouth and gradually shifting forward to replace the worn-out ones at the front. These rows form a radula, a tongue-like structure that the snail extends outward to grasp food, reminiscent of a xenomorph’s feeding mechanism.
Among all snail species, limpets—a type of small sea snail—stand out for their remarkable teeth. Their teeth are composed of protein strengthened by mineral nanofibers known as goethite. Research suggests these teeth are stronger than spider silk, potentially earning them the title of the strongest biological material on the planet.
One reassuring fact is that snail teeth are minuscule: A single limpet tooth is thinner than a strand of human hair. This means even the most aggressive snail poses little threat to humans—unless you happen to be a blade of grass.
Now that you’re well-versed in snail teeth, challenge yourself to find the slug and snail in this brainteaser.
