Which Ants Have Teeth?
WouterUnlike humans, ants do not have canines. Instead, they have teeth, which are called mandibles. These are used to chew, dig, carry and defend themselves.
The mandibles of ants are located outside the mouth, and are designed to pierce, chew, lift, carry and break food. They are also used for other purposes, such as catching prey and burrowing tunnels into the ground.
Mandibles are made of a polysaccharide polymer chitin. They are cross-linked by hydrogen bonds, which makes them very tough. They also produce chitin microfibrils. These microfibrils are very sharp.
These microfibrils allow ants to pierce hard materials, such as tree bark. They also allow ants to grind and chew food before swallowing. Ants’ mandibles are also used to hold and move prey, and to transport larvae. They are also used to care for ant pupa.
Mandibles are made of an even mix of zinc atoms, which make them very sharp. They also help to distribute the force needed to bite, reducing the amount of force needed by 60%.
Zinc atoms also prevent ants’ teeth from becoming blunted. They are also distributed in an even pattern, which means that ants can apply an equal amount of force on each tooth. This keeps teeth sharp for a long time.
Ants’ teeth are very strong, and can cut through materials without causing any damage. They can also pierce human skin easily. The mandibles are so strong that ants can lift objects that weigh 50 times their own body weight.
