What is the primary function of the large canine-like teeth located at the front of the wolffish jaws?
Answer
Gripping and tearing prey
The dental arrangement of the wolffish features two distinct types of teeth suited for different stages of feeding. The teeth situated at the very front of the jaws are characterized as large and canine-like. Their primary mechanical role is not crushing, which is reserved for the rear teeth, but rather securing the prey item. These anterior teeth are ideal for gripping slippery or moving targets and for initiating the process of tearing apart larger food items before they are moved toward the powerful crushing surfaces located further back in the mouth cavity.
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