What does gecko use special teeth for?

Geckos are colorful, nimble little lizards classified in reptilian family Gekkonidae. More than 2,000 species exist, inhabiting divergent habitats on every continent except Antarctica. Geckos are carnivorous, meaning the bulk of their diet consists of meat from other animals. Their teeth are adapted to their specific method of eating, as well as for hunting and self-defense.

Most geckos have rows of small, conical teeth lining the premaxilla and maxillary bones on the upper jaw and the dentary bone on the lower jaw. Depending on the species, the premaxilla has between nine and 13 teeth; the number of teeth on the other bones varies due to repeated tooth loss and regrowth. Upper jaws usually have more teeth than lower jaws. In total, geckos average between 50 and 100 teeth, with exceptions. For reasons unknown, the leaf-tailed gecko has more than 300 teeth, most likely the highest number of teeth possessed by any terrestrial vertebrate.

They may not use them to chew, but geckos utilize their teeth for other purposes. Self-defense is a necessary skill for small, vulnerable reptiles. They’re generally peaceful by nature, but if provoked or threatened, geckos will bite humans, predators and each other. Males especially,, are prone to violent fights over territory and females. They also use their teeth during the shedding process. Geckos shed their skin several times a year. They use their teeth to pull the old skin from their bodies, typically consuming it, as it is full of healthy nutrients.

Credit : Pets on Mom.com

Picture Credit : Google

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