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In this unique book, Peter S. Ungar tells the story of mammalian teeth from their origin through their evolution to their diversity today. "Mammal Teeth" traces the evolutionary history of teeth, beginning with the very first mineralized vertebrate structures half a billion years ago. Ungar describes how the simple conical tooth of early vertebrates became the molars, incisors, and other forms we see in mammals today. Evolutionary adaptations changed pointy teeth into flatter ones, with specialized shapes designed to complement the corresponding jaw.
Ungar explains tooth structure and function in the context of nutritional needs. The myriad tooth shapes produced by evolution offer different solutions to the fundamental problem of how to squeeze as many nutrients as possible out of foods. The book also highlights Ungar's own path-breaking studies that show how microwear analysis can help us understand ancient diets. The final part of the book provides an in-depth examination of mammalian teeth today, surveying all orders in the class, family by family. Ungar describes some of the more bizarre teeth, such as tusks, and the mammal diversity that accompanies these morphological wonders.
Peter S. Ungar is Distinguished Professor and chair of anthropology at the University of Arkansas.
In this impressive, comprehensive volume Peter Ungar explores every aspect of mammalian teeth - their evolutionary origin, histology, development, and fundamental physiological role in fueling a high-energy, endothermic lifestyle. - Tom S. Kemp, University of Oxford "Food processing is fundamental to the way animals meet the energy requirements of life. Peter Ungar captures several fundamental aspects of how animals do this - by growing teeth with such exquisitely adapted physical and structural properties and with such a diversity of size and shape! Never has this subject been better captured." - Christopher Dean, University College, London"
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