Heterognath

/ˌhɛtərəɡˈnɑːθ/ noun

Definition

An organism or fish with jaws of unequal size or asymmetrical jaw structure.

Etymology

From Greek hetero- (different) + gnathos (jaw). An ichthyological term describing fish with anatomically distinct upper and lower jaws.

Kelly Says

Flatfish like halibut are heterognathe—their eyes literally migrate to one side of the head as they develop, and their jaws become asymmetrical, allowing them to lie flat on ocean floors!

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