The carnivorous penis worm, or Ottoia, known from 500-million-year-old fossils, was a fearsome beast: it could turn its mouth inside out to reveal a tooth-lined throat that looked like a cheese grater. Scientists have discovered that the unfortunately-named penis worm could actually drag itself around by its teeth.
All species of the tubular animals, which can reach lengths of 39 cm, have an extensible mouth called a proboscis that is lined with sharp hooks, teeth and spines.
Investigators discovered that the teeth had a scaly base and were fringed with tiny prickles and hairs. By reconstructing what the penis worm's teeth looked like, the researchers discovered fossil teeth from a number of previously unrecognised penis worm species all over the world. Because its teeth are less than a millimetre in size, researchers used high-powered microscopes to find out more about their structure.
The research has allowed scientists to compile a 'dentist's handbook', which will help paleontologists recognise a range of early teeth preserved in the fossil record, according to lead author of the palaeontology study Dr Martin Smith.
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Penis worm dragged itself round by its teeth!. Br Dent J 218, 560 (2015). https://doi.org/10.1038/sj.bdj.2015.421
Published:
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/sj.bdj.2015.421