To those of you questioning the anatomical correctness of curved beaver teeth, I think you might be surprised how curved a beaver's teeth really are! Yes, most goofy cartoon pictures of beavers show the teeth as straight, flat squares. But from my limited research into beaver dental science (I'm no expert on animal biology) -- a beaver's teeth are actually very curved.
I looked up a few pictures of beaver's teeth and skulls, and found a few interesting examples. Here's a picture that shows the growth pattern of a beaver's teeth.
As you can see, the teeth are curved. And, if you look at the extended growth path of the upper teeth -- they have a very pronounced curved growth pattern.
I also found this picture of a beaver fossil skull.
Although this animal lived a very long time ago, you can see it is not completely unprecedented or outside the realm of reasonable beaver physiology -- for a beaver's teeth to be very long and curved, almost like tusks.
But regardless of whether my beaver's teeth are anatomically consistent with real life or not -- is somewhat irrelevant.
1) This is pokemon. Arguing what is "scientifically correct" is pretty silly for a beaver that shoots lightning bolts and pops out of a pokeball. I think we all know that science is pretty much thrown out the window in Pokemon.
2) It doesn't matter what is right or wrong scientifically, what matters is what looks best and "feels right" for the average person looking at the design.
With #2 in mind -- I plan to experiment with a couple of things:
- I'll make a design with the teeth a little shorter. I think the curved teeth make the design look sleeker and more offensive, and gets away from the "goofy Bibarel" look. But, the length of the teeth may be a sticking point for some of you that just don't like the idea of a beaver with long curved teeth.
- I'll also make a version with teeth both shorter and flatter. I fear this will make it look a bit too silly, and too much like Bibarel -- but it's worth a look. I definitely think it will make the design look more "beaver-like", so that could be worth it.
These changes are very easy to do, so I don't mind giving it a shot -- if people think it might improve the design overall. I'll post the changes a little later.