Bite: An Incisive History of Teeth, from Hagfish to Humans
Bill Schutt
From three-inch fang blennies to thirty-foot prehistoric crocodiles, from gaboon vipers to Neanderthals, Bite is a fascinating journey through the natural, scientific, and cultural history of something right in front of—or in—our faces: teeth. In Bite, zoologist Bill Schutt makes a surprising case: Teeth are responsible for the long-term success of vertebrates. The appearance of teeth, roughly half a billion years ago, was an adaptation that allowed animals with backbones, such as fish, amphibians, reptiles, birds, dinosaurs, and mammals to chow down in pretty much every conceivable environment. But teeth are not just for food. Tusks and fangs have played crucial roles as defensive weapons—glimpsing the upper canines of snarling dogs is all it takes to know that teeth are an efficient means of aggression. Vampire bats use their razor-sharp teeth to obtain a widespread but generally untappable resource: blood. Early humans employed their teeth as tools to soften tough fibers and animal hides. Our teeth project information and social status—the ancient Etruscans were the first to wear tooth bling, and it’s doubtful that George Washington would have been elected president without the false teeth he wore. So much of what we know about life on this planet has come from the study of fossilized teeth, which have provided information not only about evolution but also about famine, war, and disease. In his signature witty style, Schutt shows us how our continued understanding of teeth may help us humans through current and future crises, from Alzheimer’s disease to mental health issues.
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Disclaimer: Please note that I received and Audio ARC from NetGalley and Hachette Audio in exchange for an honest and unbiased review.
⭐⭐⭐⭐☆
“Bite” is a fascinating exploration of the evolutionary significance of teeth, making a compelling case for their crucial role in the survival and success of vertebrates. The book is well-written and engaging, blending scientific insight with Schutt’s signature wit, making it an unexpectedly captivating read. Schutt delves into the diverse functions of teeth beyond just eating, covering their roles in defense, aggression, and even social status, all while weaving in intriguing historical and cultural anecdotes. Schutt’s thorough exploration of evolutionary biology made this an enlightening and enjoyable read. This book is a must for anyone interested in natural history, though some sections might feel a bit dense for casual readers, which is why it’s a solid four-star read.
Get it at…
0Disclaimer: Please note that I received and Audio ARC from NetGalley and Hachette Audio in exchange for an honest and unbiased review.
⭐⭐⭐⭐☆
“Bite” is a fascinating exploration of the evolutionary significance of teeth, making a compelling case for their crucial role in the survival and success of vertebrates. The book is well-written and engaging, blending scientific insight with Schutt’s signature wit, making it an unexpectedly captivating read. Schutt delves into the diverse functions of teeth beyond just eating, covering their roles in defense, aggression, and even social status, all while weaving in intriguing historical and cultural anecdotes. Schutt’s thorough exploration of evolutionary biology made this an enlightening and enjoyable read. This book is a must for anyone interested in natural history, though some sections might feel a bit dense for casual readers, which is why it’s a solid four-star read.
Get it at…
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