In Fiction
Probably the most famous example of pharyngeal jaws is the fictional extraterrestrial creature from the Alien film series, formally referred to as a "Xenomorph". In the films, Xenomorphs are depicted with a secondary, inner set of jaws mounted onto a proboscis inside of the throat, in place of a tongue. This proboscis is shown to rapidly shoot forward with force to attack prey, commonly shown as a puncturing blow to the skull.
Read more about this topic: Pharyngeal Jaw
Famous quotes containing the word fiction:
“For if the proper study of mankind is man, it is evidently more sensible to occupy yourself with the coherent, substantial and significant creatures of fiction than with the irrational and shadowy figures of real life.”
—W. Somerset Maugham (1874–1965)
“If one doubts whether Grecian valor and patriotism are not a fiction of the poets, he may go to Athens and see still upon the walls of the temple of Minerva the circular marks made by the shields taken from the enemy in the Persian war, which were suspended there. We have not far to seek for living and unquestionable evidence. The very dust takes shape and confirms some story which we had read.”
—Henry David Thoreau (1817–1862)