Axolotls: The Secret Teeth Evolution They Don’t Want You to Know About

The Ambystomatidae family of aquatic amphibians includes axolotls (Ambystoma mexicanum), sometimes referred to as Mexican walking fish or salamanders. Scientists and fans have been fascinated by these organisms, especially because of their amazing capacity to regrow missing body parts, such as their vestiges of teeth. In this sense, teeth that have lost some of their size and function during the course of development and are no longer necessary for the axolotl to survive are referred to as vestiges.

The Evolution of Axolotl Teeth

Axolotls‘ remnant teeth are regarded as an important evolutionary artifact. Most people agree that axolotls descended from ancient salamanders with teeth that were able to operate properly. their teeth were probably essential for holding and shredding food, giving their ancestors the means to eat a more diversified and maybe larger diet. Strong teeth were less necessary when the axolotls’ diet and feeding habits changed throughout time. Large, sharp teeth become unnecessary when the axolotl switches to eating smaller prey, which is likely why tooth size and function have decreased.

Even though these teeth are smaller and less useful, they are nonetheless an important part of the axolotl’s body. The existence, location, and makeup of these relic teeth have been used by scientists to distinguish between distinct axolotl species and subspecies. Furthermore, the evolutionary relevance of these teeth offers insights into the species’ larger evolutionary history and hints about the ways in which these amazing amphibians have evolved over millennia to adapt to their surroundings.

The Teeth of Axolotl Larvae and How They Work

Axolotls have teeth during the larval stage, which are essential for eating. Typically, the top and lower jaws of these larvae contain many rows of tiny, cone-shaped teeth. For them to effectively catch and eat the tiny creatures living in their watery habitat, these teeth are crucial. Axolotl larvae have very rudimentary teeth that have not undergone much diversification into specialized forms. These teeth are constantly lost and replaced as the larvae develop, guaranteeing that the baby axolotls have teeth that are ready for food at all times.

Adult Axolotl Teeth

During their evolutionary history, adult axolotls had teeth that were completely developed and functioning. But when these amphibians adjusted to their surroundings and nutritional preferences, their teeth become less and less important to their survival. In each jaw, mature modern axolotls still have between thirty and forty tiny, hardly noticeable teeth. Even though the axolotl employs a suction-feeding method to bring food into its mouth, these teeth nevertheless have a function in holding onto tiny prey.

The outer dental arcade and the inner dental arcade are the two main areas in which the teeth of an adult axolotl are positioned. There are many sets of teeth fields in these areas, and each has unique properties and purposes.

Detailed Structure of Axolotl Teeth

A Closer Look at the Outer Dental Arcade

The outermost row of teeth in an axolotl’s mouth is represented by the outer dental arcade. The premaxillary, maxillary, and dentary tooth fields are its three primary tooth fields. The teeth in this dental arcade are placed in a single row and are often smaller and less noticeable than those in the inner dental arcade.

The premaxillary teeth

The smallest and sharpest teeth in an axolotl’s mouth are the premaxillary teeth, which are situated at the front of the upper jaw. The primary function of these teeth, which are placed in a single row, is to catch and hold onto prey, especially tiny invertebrates. These teeth, despite their size, are crucial for preventing tiny, swift prey from escaping once they have been captured.

The maxillary teeth

The maxillary teeth are situated on the maxilla bone, which makes up a considerable amount of the upper jaw, and are bigger and more numerous than the premaxillary teeth. Unlike the vestigial teeth, these teeth are arrayed in numerous rows and have the ability to renew and replace themselves during the course of an axolotl’s life. The extraordinary biology of axolotls is typified by their capacity to regenerate, which keeps their teeth effective for catching prey.

Dental Tooth Field

Little, pointed teeth with a similar function to those in the premaxillary area may be found in the dentary tooth field, which is located in the lower jaw. Along the outside border of the lower jaw, these teeth are organized in many rows. Despite being smaller and less noticeable than the maxillary teeth, they are just as important since they cooperate with them to immobilize prey. The dentary teeth assist in holding prey in place as the axolotl uses its tongue and throat muscles to move it toward the rear of its mouth for swallowing.

Inside Dental Arcade

The palatine, coronoid, and vomerine tooth fields are found in the upper jaw and palate, which is home to the inner dental arcade. Compared to the outside dental arcade, this area of the mouth has more and bigger teeth. These teeth are conical in shape and have a dull tip; they are usually grouped in many rows along the border of each maxilla bone.

Vomerine Dental Field

The vomer bone, which forms part of the nasal septum at the roof of the mouth, is home to the vomerine tooth field. The peak of the V-shaped arrangement of these comparatively tiny teeth points toward the rear of the mouth. Vomerine teeth are essential for seizing and retaining prey, especially tiny invertebrates. These teeth are unique among axolotl teeth in that they are present from birth and do not grow back throughout the course of the animal’s life.

Field of Palatine Teeth

The palatine bones, which make up the roof of the mouth, are home to the palatine tooth field. The teeth in this area are grouped in many rows and are bigger and more noticeable than those in the vomerine field. The smaller teeth surround the larger teeth, which are positioned in the center. Similar to the maxillary teeth, the palatine teeth of an axolotl are renewed continually throughout its life to maintain their ability to catch and eat prey.

Field of Coronoid Teeth

Situated on the coronoid, or splenial, bone, which is the lower jaw bone, is the coronoid or splenial tooth field. These teeth are employed for catching and gripping prey. They are tiny, resembling those in the vomerine area. Like the vomerine teeth, the coronoid teeth are placed along the edge of the coronoid bone and do not renew over the life of the axolotl.

Axolotl Teeth and Biomimicry

The capacity of axolotls to grow new teeth throughout their lives has generated a great deal of attention in the area of biomimetics. In order to generate ideas for new technologies, materials, and designs, biomimicry entails analyzing natural biological systems and processes. Scientists are looking at the special qualities and processes that underlie the regeneration of axolotl teeth in an effort to create novel treatments for human dental and medical issues.

Numerous genes and signaling pathways involved in axolotl tooth regeneration have been found recently. These findings have created new opportunities for oral therapy and regenerative medicine research. Researchers want to apply their understanding of how axolotls naturally renew their teeth to human dentistry in order to possibly create novel therapies for gum disease, tooth decay, and other dental conditions.

Axolotl tooth research has the potential to transform the area of regenerative medicine, in addition to offering insights into the evolutionary history of these amazing amphibians. Scientists’ ongoing investigation of the processes behind axolotl tooth regeneration might have a significant impact on dental treatment in the future.