DK - WOW! The Visual Encyclopedia of Everything

59

Most vertebrates (animals with backbones) have

strong bony skulls. They are made up of cranial

bones that protect their brains, jaw bones that

support their teeth or beaks, and face bones

that contain their eye sockets and nasal cavities.

The whole structure can be quite heavy, and is

supported by strong neck muscles.

Skulls

▼ ANTELOPE

Some animals, such as antelope

and cattle, have massive horns on

their heads for defence and fighting

rivals. Male deer grow antlers,

which they use to impress females

and fight each other, but these

antlers fall off at the end of the

mating season. Each male grows

a new pair every year.

The big eyes of this

powerful, fast-swimming

predator are contained

in large sockets

Anteaters have long

jaws and extremely long tongues, but no teeth at all

Strong bony cores

are sheathed with

tough outer layers

of ridged horn

Sharp, blade-like incisor

teeth on lower jaw are

ideal for cropping grass

and gathering leaves

Nasal cavity contains thin

scroll-like bones, which

support the membranes

that detect scent

Long snout allows

antelope to nibble

grass while keeping

watch for danger

Deer

Eye sockets at front

of skull allow the

baboon to see things

in three dimensions

▼ BABOON

Close relatives of humans, baboons have similar

skulls, but longer jaws and bigger back teeth.

This is because they eat large quantities of grass,

which requires a lot of chewing. They also have

long, sharp canines, which they use to kill animals

for food, and to fight among themselves.

BARRACUDA ▶

Fish have quite strong

skulls, but the various

parts are not fused

together like those of

mammals. The jaws of

many fish are separate

from the brain case, but

attached by bones that

allow them to be thrust

forward to seize prey.

Anteate

r

Barracuda

Antelope Baboon

Massive jaws are armed

with needle-sharp teeth

for a secure grip on prey

Furry skin

(velvet)

nourishes

the antler as

it grows, and

is shed in

the summer

058_059_Skulls.indd 59 14/03/19 9:54 AM