In this unique book, Peter S. Ungar tells the story of mammalian teeth from their origin through their evolution to their current diversity.
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.
Mammal Teeth captures the evolution of mammals, including humans, through the prism of dental change. Synthesizing decades of research, Ungar reveals the interconnections among mammal diet, dentition, and evolution. His book is a must-read for paleontologists, mammalogists, and anthropologists.
Preface Introduction Endothermy Food Energy and Teeth A Very Brief History of the Study of Mammal Teeth Organization of This Book Part I: Key Terms and Concepts 1. Tooth Structure and Form Basic Tooth Structure Tooth Types Deciduous and Permanent Teeth Dental Formulas, Tooth Notations, and Direction Terms Nomenclature for Features on the Occlusal Surface Categories of Cheek Teeth 2. Dental Histology and Development Fracture Mechanics and Tooth Design Dental Histology Dental Development Genetics of Dental Development and Occlusal Morphology 3. Food and Feeding Nutrient Requirements Energy Flow and Food Selection Diet Categories Physical Properties of Foods Final Thoughts 4. Food Acquisition and Processing Food Acquisition Food Processing Final Thoughts 5. Classification of the Mammals Some Basic Terms and Concepts A Very Brief History of Classification of the Mammals Classification Used in This Book Taxonomy, Systematics, and Teeth Part II: The Evolution of Mammal Teeth 6. Teeth before the Mammals The Origin(s) of Teeth The Early Evolution of Teeth Final Thoughts 7. The Origin of Mammalian Mastication The Early Evolution of the Synapsids Key Adaptations for Mammalian Mastication Final Thoughts 8. The Fossil Record for Mesozoic Mammals The Evolution of Mesozoic Mammals The Evolution of Molar Form in Mesozoic Mammals The Cretaceous/Paleogene Extinctions 9. Cenozoic Mammalian Evolution Fossil Monotremes Fossil Marsupials Fossil Placentals Cenozoic Mammalian Radiations Final Thoughts Part III: The Teeth of Recent Mammals 10. Monotremata and Marsupialia Protheria Monotremata Marsupialia Didelphimorphia Paucituberculata Microbiotheria Notoryctemorphia Peramelemorphia Dasyuromorphia Diprotodontia Final Thoughts 11. Xenarthra and Afrotheria Xenarthra Cingulata Pilosa Afrotheria Afrosoricida Macroscelidea Tubulidentata Hyracoidea Proboscidea Sirenia Final Thoughts 12. Laurasiatheria Cetartiodactyla Perissodactyla Chiroptera Carnivora Pholidota Eulipotyphla Final Thoughts 13. Euarchontoglires Scandentia Dermoptera Primates Lagomorpha Rodentia Final Thoughts Conclusions Adaptive Radiation of the Mammals How Do Teeth Work? Where Did Teeth Come From, and How Did They Evolve? Dental Diversity Today and What We Can Learn from It Final Thoughts Appendix Literature Cited Index
""Mammal Teeth is an impressive work, both for its scholarship and clear, often entertaining presentation... Mammal Teeth is a must-have for vertebrate paleontologists, physical anthropologists, and mammalogists interested in morphology, the biomechanics of chewing, and feeding ecology. Students will find Mammal Teeth especially useful as a point-of-entry into the literature on mammalian teeth.""
