biting

Behaviour of opening and closing the jaw found in many animals

Biting is a common behavior involving the opening and closing of the jaw. This behavior is found in reptiles, mammals, fish and amphibians. Arthropods can also bite. Biting can be a physical action in result of an attack, but it is also a normal activity or response in an animal as it eats, carries objects, softens and prepares food for its young, removes ectoparasites from its body surface, removes plant seeds attached to its fur or hair, scratching itself, and grooming other animals. Animal bites often result in serious infections and some times even death. Dog bites are commonplace, with human children the most commonly bitten by dogs and the face being the most commonly bitten target.

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