Explore the story of how human teeth evolved from ancient fossils to the modern grin.
This concise, review-style volume presents the origin and evolution of the human dentition from a paleontological perspective, tracing patterns across early mammals to the earliest humans.
This edition surveys the key fossil evidence, major theories, and how researchers have interpreted tooth development and arrangement. It weaves together discoveries from American and European collections, offering context for how the dentition changed over millions of years and why certain cusp patterns matter in modern comparisons.
- Learn how scientists classify upper and lower molars by cusps and how these patterns relate across species.
- See the role of landmark theories in shaping how we understand tooth evolution.
- Understand the fossil record's contribution to tracing the human lineage through dental changes.
- Appreciate the historical debate and the methods used to study ancient dentitions.
Ideal for readers of dental history, paleontology, and evolutionary biology who want a focused, accessible look at the origin of human teeth.