logo
episode-header-image
Nov 2021
32m 38s

Shark teeth: The sharp bits of a squishy...

American Public Media
About this episode

In this episode, we’re asking sharks to say “aaaah”, and taking a close look at their chompers. We’ll see how shark teeth grow, and what those teeth can teach us about sharks of the past. We’ll also play a game of Jaws Jeopardy, and find out how sharks help keep the ocean helping with their super snacking. Stick around for a listener-submitted mystery sound and a Moment of Um: why does steam rise in the air?



This episode was sponsored by:



Shopify (shopify.com/brainson)

Up next
Jun 11
A big update about the Brains On Universe
We're moving the Brains On Universe Headquarters, and that means we have to stop putting out new episodes until we get settled. We know: not cool. But, our new home is going to be bigger and better and the absolute BEST. We can't wait until it's ready for you to visit.In the mean ... Show More
2m 56s
Jun 3
The life of a NASA astronaut
Brains On is a non-profit public radio program. There are lots of ways to support the show:Support the podcast with donation | Subscribe to Smarty Pass for ad-free episodes and bonus content | Buy our book and merch | Come to our live shows | Get the newsletter for parents | Find ... Show More
35m 17s
May 27
How do weather stations predict the weather?
Brains On is a non-profit public radio program. There are lots of ways to support the show:Support the podcast with donation | Subscribe to Smarty Pass for ad-free episodes and bonus content | Buy our book and merch | Come to our live shows | Get the newsletter for parents | Find ... Show More
28m 29s
Recommended Episodes
Sep 2022
Why do sharks have so many teeth?
Why do sharks have multiple sets of teeth? Why do sharks lose so many teeth? Do sharks eat fish? How do sharks breathe underwater? Do sharks sleep? Give a listen to this totally jaw-some conversation about sharks with Dr. Kady Lyons, shark researcher at the Georgia Aquarium! We a ... Show More
28m 16s
Jun 2018
PTG Classic: How Did Sharks Get Such a Bad Rap?
As summer reaches its height, everyone gets nervous about shark attacks. But how afraid should we be of these Jabberjaws? (Spoiler: not very.) From the hilarious way goblin sharks catch their prey, to the strange effect AC/DC has on sharks, to why Will and Mango wish they could t ... Show More
35m 38s
Apr 2023
Why are Shark Teeth Shaped like That?
Sharks are known for their big toothy "grins". But what do we really know about shark teeth?  Dr. Lisa Whitenack, associate professor at Allegheny College and a shark expert, is here to chat with us about a few of the very interesting shark teeth she has discovered and what type ... Show More
38m 15s
May 2024
Why do sharks have to keep moving to stay alive?
If there’s one thing that’s generally known about sharks, it’s that they have sharp teeth. But have you heard they have to keep moving to stay alive? Why is that? In this episode we talk to shark scientist Melissa Cristina Marquez about this very question. Do you have a Moment of ... Show More
3m 48s
Aug 2023
How do sharks smell blood?
Sharks are truly amazing creatures. They can find prey using electricity. Their skin is made up of tiny teeth that act like scales. And they don’t have any bones! But can sharks smell a tiny drop of blood in the water from miles away? We asked shark scientist Melissa Cristina Már ... Show More
4m 52s
Jul 2021
Bonus episode: The Surprising Superpowers of Sharks
Sharks have never been able to outswim their reputation as mindless killers, which is so entrenched that the U.S. Navy once even tried to weaponize them. But are sharks really just “remorseless eating machines” on the hunt for blood? Hop in the water with marine scientists for a ... Show More
28m 33s
Jul 2022
Do Shark Stories Help Sharks?
Our obsession with sharks has generated folklore around the world for thousands of years. But a series of attacks at the Jersey shore in 1916 would forever change the way we tell stories about sharks. We trace how attitudes toward sharks shifted in the past century—from stoking o ... Show More
37m 32s
Dec 2017
STORY TIME: Jazz shark!
Join The Beanies in a watery wonderland as they learn about jazz and sea creatures. Watch out for sharks - especially sharks in sneaky disguises!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. 
17m 41s
Aug 2012
How Shark Attacks Work
A shark attack is a terrifying experience for the victim -- but are sharks really man-eating monsters with a taste for human flesh? Join Josh and Chuck as they ask why sharks attack, how attacks occur and which sharks are most likely to attack someone. Learn more about your ad-ch ... Show More
39m 3s