1037. Why has man no external appendage to his mouth?
Because his hands serve all the purposes of gathering food, and conveying it to the mouth. Man's mouth is simply an opening; in other animals it is a projection.
1038. Why have dogs, and other carnivorous animals, long pointed teeth, projecting above the rest?
Because as they have not hands to seize and controul their food, the projecting teeth enable them to snap and hold the objects which they pursue for food.
1039. Why is the under jaw of the hog, shorter and smaller than the upper one?
Because the animal pierces the ground with its long snout, and then the small under jaw works freely in the furrow that has been opened, in quest of food.
1040. Why have birds hard beaks?
Because, having no teeth, the beak enables them to seize, hold, and divide their food.
1041. Why are the beaks of birds generally long and sharp?
Because the greater number of birds live by picking up small objects, such as worms, insects, seeds, &c. The sharp beak, therefore, serves as a fine pincers, enabling them to take hold of their food conveniently.