Mammal Teeth

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,...

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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 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
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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
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