One shark tooth does not fit all! Shark teeth come in different shapes, sizes, and patterns, allowing the shark to eat a specialized diet. Teeth are grouped into four different categories: cutting, gripping, crushing, and filter-feeding.

Cutting teeth have serrated edges that are useful for eating big prey like seals and sea lions.

Gripping teeth are big, powerful teeth that are easily able to hold onto quick-moving fish or slippery prey like tunas and mackerel.

Crushing teeth are rounded and effective at breaking the hard-shelled exterior of crabs and sea urchins.

Filter-feeding teeth are useful for eating tiny food such as plankton.

Can you guess which tooth belongs to a specific species of shark? Play the matching game to find out!