Composition:
Teeth are composed primarily of hard tissues such as enamel, dentin, and cementum. Enamel is the hardest substance in the human body and is responsible for the white colour of teeth. Beaks, on the other hand, are composed of keratin, a protein also found in nails, claws, and feathers.
Structure:
Teeth are embedded in the jaws of animals and have a fixed position. They are typically arranged in rows or arches and vary in shape, size, and function. Beaks consist of an upper mandible and a lower mandible, which are hinged at the base of the skull. Beaks vary greatly in shape and size depending on the animal species and its diet.
Function:
Teeth primarily serve to break down food into smaller pieces, facilitating digestion. Different types of teeth, such as incisors, canines, and molars, have specialized functions such as cutting, tearing, and grinding food. Beaks, on the other hand, have a wider range of functions, including capturing prey, crushing seeds and nuts, grooming feathers, and even digging.
Growth:
Teeth typically develop during embryonic development and cease growing after reaching their full size. Beaks, however, continue to grow throughout an animal's life, as the keratinous material is constantly produced and shed.
Examples:
Teeth are found in mammals, reptiles, and some fish species. Beaks are characteristic of birds, some turtles, and certain cephalopods like squids and octopuses.
Overall, teeth and beaks differ in their composition, structure, function, growth patterns, and the animal groups in which they are found.