Unlocking Secrets from the Past
Researchers recently uncovered fascinating insights from a 465 million-year-old armored fish. This ancient creature holds clues to understanding why we experience tooth pain today. The study reveals that these prehistoric fish had sensory structures remarkably similar to human dentine. This discovery sheds light on the evolutionary journey of our teeth.
The research supports the “outside-in” hypothesis. This theory suggests that teeth evolved from sensory mechanisms found externally in ancient fish. Interestingly, evolutionary convergence is evident as both vertebrates and arthropods developed similar sensory organs independently. This parallel evolution highlights the adaptability of life forms in response to their environments.
