New research shows that ocean acidification could weaken sharks’ teeth, reducing their effectiveness as hunting tools. Despite their well-known ability to continuously regrow teeth, future acidic conditions may corrode and fracture them, undermining the survival of these top predators. In controlled experiments, Blacktip reef shark teeth exposed to lower pH levels showed cracks, root corrosion, and surface irregularities compared to those in present-day conditions. While sharks can replace damaged teeth, the process may become energetically costly in more acidic waters, potentially leaving them more vulnerable over time. The findings highlight how climate-driven ocean chemistry shifts may compromise even the strongest natural adaptations, with ripple effects on marine food webs and ecosystems.
