The Evolution Of Vertebrate Teeth: A Review And Phylogenetic Analysis Using Categorical Data

Abstract

The crucial importance in phylogenetic analyses lies in their ability to detail the evolution of living organisms by comparing homologous traits that arose over time. Through them, these analyses not only tell what organism was derived from what, but also reveal how environmental circumstances drove the formation of characteristics favorable for that time. Though teeth have been a crucial component in phylogenetic analyses, they rarely are the key consideration; and in cases in which they are, the study is isolated in a single clade of organisms. This report details a broad review of current knowledge of vertebrate teeth from Agnatha to Mammalia, specifically focusing on their location, replacement, and attachment. Furthermore, this report also includes an analysis of a character map made from the current information on the teeth characteristics listed and on established vertebrate phylogenies. It is the hope of this author that by exploring the evolution of vertebrate teeth, a greater understanding of how teeth came to be, what they can become, and what could be done for man’s may be garnered by those who wish to know.