A01=Peter S. Ungar
Age Group_Uncategorized
Age Group_Uncategorized
Animal Diet
Author_Peter S. Ungar
automatic-update
Category1=Non-Fiction
Category=PSAJ
Category=PSV
Category=PSVD
Category=PSVM
Category=PSVW7
COP=United States
Delivery_Delivery within 10-20 working days
eq_bestseller
eq_isMigrated=2
eq_nobargain
eq_non-fiction
eq_science
Language_English
Mammal Adaptation
Mammal Origin
PA=Available
Price_€50 to €100
PS=Active
softlaunch
Product details
- ISBN 9780801896682
- Weight: 1157g
- Dimensions: 216 x 279mm
- Publication Date: 26 Nov 2010
- Publisher: Johns Hopkins University Press
- Publication City/Country: US
- Product Form: Hardback
- Language: English
Secure
checkout
Fast Shipping
Easy returns
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.
Peter S. Ungar is Distinguished Professor and chair of anthropology at the University of Arkansas.
