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Related Concept Videos

Teeth01:15

Teeth

The formation of teeth, also known as odontogenesis, is a complex process that begins in utero, around the sixth week of embryonic development. There are three stages to this process: the bud stage, the cap stage, and the bell stage.
In the bud stage, the tooth germ (an aggregation of cells) starts to form in the developing jawbone. During the cap stage, the tooth germ differentiates into enamel organ, dental papilla, and dental sac, which will later develop into the tooth's enamel, dentin and...
Tooth Anatomy01:21

Tooth Anatomy

The human tooth enables us to eat a variety of foods, speak clearly, and even aid in shaping our faces. Teeth are composed of various elements that work together. Here's a detailed look at the anatomy of a human tooth.
The Crown, Neck, and Root
The visible part of the tooth is referred to as the crown. It's covered by enamel, the hardest substance in the human body. The crown is uniquely shaped for each type of tooth, allowing for different functions such as cutting, tearing, or grinding food.
Oral Cavity01:11

Oral Cavity

The oral cavity, or the mouth, is a complex structure in humans that plays a vital role in our day-to-day lives. Its role is not only in chewing and swallowing food; it also plays a role in speech and facial expressions.
Teeth: The teeth are the hardest structures in our bodies. Humans have two sets of teeth throughout their lifetime: deciduous (baby) teeth and permanent teeth. Each tooth consists of several parts: the crown (visible part), the root (embedded in the jaw), enamel (hard outer...
Evolutionary Psychology01:20

Evolutionary Psychology

Evolutionary psychology explores the origins of human behavior and mental processes by framing them within the context of natural selection, a theory famously propounded by Charles Darwin. This field asserts that many behaviors common across human societies — ranging from instinctive fear reactions to complex social interactions — arose as evolutionary adaptations. These adaptations enhanced the survival and reproductive success of our ancestors, thereby becoming embedded in the human psyche...
The Evidence for Evolution02:55

The Evidence for Evolution

Genetic variations accumulating within populations over generations give rise to biological evolution. Evolutionary changes can result in the formation of novel varieties and entire new species. These changes are responsible for the diverse forms of life inhabiting the planet. The evidence for evolution suggests that all living organisms descended from common ancestors.
What is Evolutionary History?02:35

What is Evolutionary History?

Scientists record evolutionary history by analyzing fossil, morphological, and genetic data. The fossil record documents the history of life on Earth and provides evidence for evolution. However, both fossil and living organisms offer evidence that outlines Earth’s evolutionary history.

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Related Articles

Articles linked to this work by shared authors, journal, and citation graph.

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An odyssey of odontogenic aberrations.

British dental journal·2023
Same author

Enamel histories.

British dental journal·2022
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Dentine as a pain perceiver.

British dental journal·2021
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Dental DNA.

British dental journal·2020
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Exposure to biology.

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Teeth as pearls of wisdom.

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 7, 2026

Systematic Assessment of Mammalian Skull Specimens for Dental and Temporomandibular Joint Pathology
07:26

Systematic Assessment of Mammalian Skull Specimens for Dental and Temporomandibular Joint Pathology

Published on: August 22, 2022

The role of teeth in human evolution.

G H Sperber1

  • 1University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, T6G 1C9, Canada.

British Dental Journal
|September 28, 2013
PubMed
Summary

New dating techniques and fossil analysis reveal shifts in ancient human diets and oral bacteria. DNA from dental plaque and pulp also sheds light on population genetics and migration patterns.

Area of Science:

  • Paleoanthropology
  • Archaeogenetics
  • Paleoproteomics

Background:

  • Understanding human evolution necessitates examining past diets and population dynamics.
  • Technological advancements offer novel ways to analyze ancient biological samples.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review recent insights into palaeodiets and human population history.
  • To highlight the application of new analytical techniques in paleoanthropology.

Main Methods:

  • Analysis of attritional wear patterns on fossil enamel.
  • Spectroscopic and radiometric dating of human fossils.
  • DNA sequencing of ancient dental plaque and pulpal tissue.

Main Results:

  • Fossilized dental plaque shows distinct dietary content and oral microbiota between Neolithic and Industrial populations.

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Establishing Organoids from Human Tooth as a Powerful Tool Toward Mechanistic Research and Regenerative Therapy
11:02

Establishing Organoids from Human Tooth as a Powerful Tool Toward Mechanistic Research and Regenerative Therapy

Published on: April 13, 2022

Sampling and Pretreatment of Tooth Enamel Carbonate for Stable Carbon and Oxygen Isotope Analysis
07:57

Sampling and Pretreatment of Tooth Enamel Carbonate for Stable Carbon and Oxygen Isotope Analysis

Published on: August 15, 2018

Related Experiment Videos

Last Updated: May 7, 2026

Systematic Assessment of Mammalian Skull Specimens for Dental and Temporomandibular Joint Pathology
07:26

Systematic Assessment of Mammalian Skull Specimens for Dental and Temporomandibular Joint Pathology

Published on: August 22, 2022

Establishing Organoids from Human Tooth as a Powerful Tool Toward Mechanistic Research and Regenerative Therapy
11:02

Establishing Organoids from Human Tooth as a Powerful Tool Toward Mechanistic Research and Regenerative Therapy

Published on: April 13, 2022

Sampling and Pretreatment of Tooth Enamel Carbonate for Stable Carbon and Oxygen Isotope Analysis
07:57

Sampling and Pretreatment of Tooth Enamel Carbonate for Stable Carbon and Oxygen Isotope Analysis

Published on: August 15, 2018

  • DNA analysis of dental pulp provides evidence for hereditary relationships and human gene flow.
  • Conclusions:

    • Modern analytical methods provide unprecedented detail on ancient human diets and population movements.
    • Dental remains are a rich source of information for reconstructing palaeodiets and human evolutionary history.